Last weekend I heard a great sermon on faithfulness in prayer. It opened with a reference to law enforcement officers and first responders, who are often hailed as “heroes” for their part in saving lives. And that’s certainly true; they face risks daily for the good of their fellow citizens. However, when asked by news media about their part in an incident, their response is often something like “I just did what needed to be done.”
As part of his sermon, the minister shared the story of a man whose life was saved by the quick actions of a police officer. The man recovered, and went on to accept Jesus and lead his family in becoming followers of Christ. Later, he was able to meet the officer personally, and it was an emotional reunion as he thanked his rescuer for his part in saving not just his earthly but also his eternal life. That officer was able to personally observe the results of his own faithful training and timely response.
That phrase, “it needed to be done,” is a familiar one to many people my age. My dad’s older brother was involved in the June 6, 1944, D-Day invasion, and badly wounded in a subsequent battle. Years later, if any of us asked him about it, his reply was, “We just did what needed to be done.” My dad responded similarly when asked his thoughts about splashing ashore in the South Pacific to establish a beachhead and dig into a rifleman’s nest.
I’m thankful for D-Day remembrance ceremonies that occur annually. Clearly, the decision to invade Europe was key to regaining and preserving freedom and preventing further spread of tyranny; operations in the South Pacific, including the decision to use the atomic bomb, were for the same goal.
Many World War II veterans will attest that they readily responded when called to serve their country because they believed it was worth fighting for. Many were in their 20s or still in their teens; some even lied about their age to join the armed forces. They knew the nation’s history and the biblical principles reflected in the Constitution. In honor of the few remaining of the Greatest Generation, we must fight for the values, including faith and the right to express it, that they fought to preserve. Is America—and am I as a citizen—still worth fighting for?
In even larger context, Jesus Christ did what needed to be done as He willingly gave his life to reconcile humankind to God. If I claim to follow Him, am I willing to share the gospel with others and live according to my beliefs, even if it isn’t convenient or popular? Courageous Christians in many places have already paid with their lives, and we can be inspired by their testimony. In the midst of cultural attacks on biblical values that are part of the fabric of our nation, we can ask the Holy Spirit for guidance on when and how to speak up as we commit to a life of faith, no matter what. Like those courageous young soldiers on June 6, 1944, let’s do what needs to be done.
Comments