Text, James 1:12, KJV: 12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Thoughts: Veteran’s Day was originally called Armistice Day. This was because on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918, the “great war”, or “the world to end all wars”, or “the 1914-18 war” was finally over. In 1954, the name of the holiday was changed to Veteran’s Day, to honor all who served the USA while on active military duty (from the VA.gov website).

For several years now, some companies have offered various discounts, freebies, and other things to veterans. As a military retiree myself, I can’t speak for what other vets think but for me, that’s a very kind gesture. I never saw armed conflict myself, except for a few trips to the rifle range and trying to get the best of that paper target, but many others did. What they endured then, and still face now, is something many of us will never understand, except others who went through the same thing.

On Veterans Day, 2022, a Friday, yes, I did take advantage of a certain restaurant’s offer! The chow was great and the company—my wonderful wife—was amazing. Even so, there were some things that made me think.

At least two other veterans were there; both were quite a few years older than I am and each man was showing the effects of their age. Please don’t misunderstand, this is in no way criticizing or trying to slam either one of these men. One man walked slowly and needed a cane; the other was confined to his wheelchair. I have no way of knowing if either one had been “officially” disabled or not, but I do know they were veterans.

And that’s what made me think. Sure, we see them now, many steps farther along on this earthly journey than some, but if they had not answered the call, where would we be? I almost became a bit emotional, thinking about how each one of these men had endured basic training (or boot camp, as one of these men was a Marine) and the realities of life in a military setting. No, I didn’t ask where they had served or anything like that. These men deserve respect, not a lot of questions that may bring back memories they’d rather forget—if they could.

We owe so much to so few, those who heard and answered the call. Again, no, I don’t consider myself worthy to shine their boots. Others endured much more than I did in the relatively peaceful time of my service (1980-95) and I’m grateful that they kept America free for me and for those coming later.

Now, isn’t that kind of what our lives as believers are all about? Think about the men Jesus chose to be His followers. He picked some outdoorsy types like “the Four Fishers”—Andrew, Simon Peter, James, and John—plus a desk jockey/financial whiz like Matthew! Each of the Twelve had their own personalities and quirks but that didn’t matter. Jesus chose them and wanted each of them to be the best they could as His followers.

Were they perfect? Not a chance! But even as they matured, made disciples, and prepared to leave this world, they knew they were doing exactly what the Lord wanted them to do.

In a word, they were faithful, and that was enough.

Our veterans took the fight to enemy, knowing freedom was in the balance. If they lost, freedom was lost, and everyone knew it. The apostles and early believers knew what they would face, too, but did not stop sharing Jesus everywhere and with everyone they could. May we too be as faithful as our veterans and those who lived for Jesus regardless of the cost.

Scripture quotations taken from the King James Version of the Bible (KJV).