The Clock is Ticking

They’re different. Military families, I mean. 

I live near Fort Jackson, one of the largest basic training facilities in the country. In addition to processing thousands of recruits a year, it’s also home to the chaplains school. 

For 28 years I’ve been lulled to sleep by the sound of machine gun fire in the distance. I’m so used to it that the only time I notice it is when a house guest turns to me with wide eyes and asks, “Was that GUNFIRE?”

What I’ve never gotten used to, though, are the military families who live, work, and worship in my community. 

Without exception, they are the most engaged and involved temporary residents I’ve ever met. They are initiators. They don’t wait to be asked; they jump right in. They are energetic go-getters who are quick to extend a hand in greeting, invite a new friend over for coffee, or volunteer to help. 

They realize their time here is limited, and that they may be transferred with very little notice. They don’t have time to sit around. There are too many opportunities they might miss if they are passive. There’s a lesson cloaked in the earth-toned camouflage these brave folks wear. 

As Christians, we’re here on temporary assignment, too. And we could be transferred with little or no notice. We are wise to be mindful of this as we move through our daily lives. It should affect what we do: 

We should always be ready to testify of our faith. First Peter 3:16 tells us to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Opportunities to share a testimony, word of encouragement, or even the gospel don’t come along every day; we should be watching for them. If we don’t intentionally look for opportunities, we might miss a chance to share our faith. 

We should always be ready to extend hospitality, instead of waiting for someone else to take the first step. My military friends know if they sit around hoping someone will invite them out for coffee, a play date, or to church, they might be waiting a long time. Instead, they find a friendly face and extend an invitation. As a result, they often develop deep friendships that last a lifetime. Hebrews 13:2 encourages us, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” 

We should always live with no regrets. While this isn’t always possible, knowing our lives are “just a vapor,” helps keep our priorities straight. I think of this whenever I’m tempted to stubbornly hold on to a grudge or grievance. I ask, If I died today, would this matter? Most of the time the answer is no. 

We are here on this earth on temporary assignment. This is not our final home. What we do determines much of what happens in the world to come, not just for ourselves, but for those around us. 

“All these people were still living by faith when they died. . . And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth . . . they were longing for a better country-- a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them (Hebrews 11:14,16).

What are you waiting for? Time is short. Eternity is long, and there is much to do in between. The risks are low, but the payoff’s out of this world. Will you join me in the Kingdom work? 

I’d love to hear your thoughts. When have you jumped in and done something for God? It could be a small gesture like inviting your waitress to visit your church or a big one like sharing the gospel with a coworker. Leave a comment below and join the conversation! If you're reading via email, CLICK HERE to comment.

If you liked this devotion, you might like "Why Funerals Aren't All Bad."


 

 

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