Something Bigger

 

I believe God has given us an innate desire to know that what we do matters…that our lives are purposeful and part of something bigger than just ourselves.

As Christians we can see and understand this through our relationship with our savior and our participation in the body of Christ. We are each given a unique purpose, a special set of gifts, and a community within which to live all of that out.

He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts to grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:16 (NLT)

Recently, I’ve come to appreciate this in a different setting as well.

The military is a community that exists for a unique purpose. From the newly enlisted Army oath:

“I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

to the highest ranking officer’s duties, there is a sense of purpose and service to something bigger and grander than oneself.

Now, do all military members enter the service with altruistic motives? No. Some enter for purely selfish reasons, get what they can, and get out. But there are those who enter with an honest desire to be a part of something important.

And then there are still others, like my husband, who go in believing that, somehow, the military will be good for them and after they’ve been in for a while discover that sense of purpose and “bigness.”

I am very grateful that my husband decided to go into the Army. I am proud of him, and I’m thankful that he has the opportunity to guide and serve those who need support and counsel. I am grateful that my kids get to see examples in a variety of people who desire to serve and sacrifice.