When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. "Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly." Jesus said to him, "Shall I come and heal him?" The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." Matthew 8:5-10
Today is a special day. Ask any Marine and he will tell you 10 November 1775 was when their beloved Corps was born in a simple place called Tun Tavern. On this day Marines all around the world celebrate from fancy ballrooms to fighting positions far from home. Alright, that’s enough history circle-up because I have something important to say about service in the Corps and Christian Living.
While I would certainly argue that the Marine Corps has earned a distinction as the most loyal, most revered, and most respected fighting force the world has ever known; it is not because of their rigorous training (copied in vain), nor their arsenal of (sometimes inferior) weapons. It is certainly not because every meal's a banquet, every paycheck a fortune or every formation a parade. It is due to character.
The foundation of character both individually and corporately is defined by three Core Values. And they don’t include beans, bullets, bandages or bad guys!
Honor
Always held to the highest standards, ethically and morally. Respect for others is essential. Accountable for ones own actions and holding others accountable for theirs.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Rom. 12:10
Show proper respect to everyone; Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. 1 Pet. 2:17
Courage
Not the absence of fear, but the ability to face fear and overcome it. It is the mental, moral and physical strength ingrained in every Marine. Willingness to take a stand for what is right in spite of adverse consequences. It steadies them in times of stress, carries them through every challenge and aids them in facing new and unknown confrontations.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, For thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Ps 23:4
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 1 Cor. 16:13
Commitment
The spirit of selfless determination and relentless dedication to excellence. It is what compels Marines to serve, like the centurion...always faithful.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Rom. 12:1
He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded. Pr. 13:13
So how do you measure up to those values? I know I’ve stumbled along the way. The good news is that there is a transformation between just doing and doing faithfully that cannot be undone and will move you into a closer walk with Jesus. In closing, I will leave you with the Marine’s Prayer.
Semper Fi
Cpl. Alan Severin, Veteran USMC
Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Make me considerate of those committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.
If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.
Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.
AMEN
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