Called to Serve: Lessons from Veterans and the Bible
A Heart for Sacrifice and Resilience
Introduction:
Significance of Veterans Day:
"Veterans Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a profound reminder of the sacrifices made by countless men and women who have served in our armed forces. Originally established as Armistice Day in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I, it has since evolved into a day to honor all veterans, regardless of when or where they served.
On this day, we take time to recognize the courage and commitment of those who have put on the uniform to defend our freedoms and uphold our values. It's an opportunity for us to express our heartfelt gratitude for their bravery in the face of danger and their willingness to sacrifice for the greater good.
Veterans Day is significant because it not only honors the service of our military personnel but also serves as a reminder of the impact of war on our society and the personal sacrifices made by families and communities. It encourages us to reflect on the importance of peace and the freedoms we often take for granted.
As we gather here today, let us remember that each veteran has a unique story—a story of resilience, sacrifice, and dedication. Let us honor their commitment by actively engaging in our communities, supporting veteran initiatives, and praying for those who continue to serve our nation."
Today’s message will focus not just on veterans but on the biblical principles of service, sacrifice, and faithfulness that all believers are called to live out.
Scripture Readings:
2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NASB): “Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.”
Romans 12:1 (NASB): “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”
Main Points:
Sacrifice and Selflessness:
Explain how those who serve in the military demonstrate the biblical principle of sacrifice. They set aside personal plans, comforts, and sometimes even safety to fulfill a higher calling.
Living as a Sacrifice (Romans 12:1):
"In Romans 12:1, Paul urges us, saying, 'Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.' This idea of being a 'living sacrifice' is both challenging and powerful. Paul is calling us to live in a way that places God’s will above our own desires, to dedicate every part of our lives to His purposes.
When we look at veterans, we see a reflection of this kind of sacrifice—people who have put aside their own comfort, safety, and plans to serve something greater than themselves. Likewise, in our daily walk as Christians, we are called to lay down our personal ambitions, fears, and preferences for the sake of following God’s will. Being a living sacrifice means allowing God to shape our actions, attitudes, and relationships to reflect His love and truth.
This is a daily commitment. It’s not a one-time decision but an ongoing act of surrender, where we continually ask, 'Lord, how can my life bring You honor today?' Whether it’s in small acts of kindness, in how we treat our families, or in how we serve our communities, we honor God by giving ourselves to Him fully. May we live each day with that sacrificial heart, embodying Christ’s love in everything we do.
My challenge today is to ask yourself: Where is God calling me to sacrifice or surrender something for His purpose.
Endurance in Hardship:
Draw from 2 Timothy 2:3-4 where Paul uses the metaphor of a soldier to describe the Christian journey. Soldiers endure hardship, stay focused, and remain resilient. Paul calls us to approach our faith with that same endurance.
Enduring Hardship with Trust in God’s Strength and Purpose:
"Enduring hardship as a Christian isn’t just about mustering the strength to get through tough times; it’s about placing our trust in God’s strength and recognizing His purpose in every circumstance. When we face challenges, it can be tempting to rely on our own abilities or to become discouraged when things don’t go as we planned. But Scripture reminds us that we are never meant to endure alone.
In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul writes, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' God’s strength is made perfect in our moments of weakness, and in those moments, He carries us. Enduring hardship in a biblical way means leaning on God, asking Him to sustain us, and believing that He is working for our good, even when we can’t see it.
Like a soldier who trusts their commander’s plan even when they don’t fully understand it, we are called to trust God’s purpose in our struggles. When we surrender our hardships to Him, our trials can become opportunities to grow closer to Him, to develop resilience, and to witness His power in our lives. So let us face each challenge not with fear, but with faith—knowing that God walks with us, strengthens us, and has a purpose for every season we endure."
So I encourage you today to persevere in your faith, drawing strength from God during your trials, just as a soldier remains steadfast in duty.
Serving a Higher Purpose:
Discuss the concept of military service as a calling to something greater than oneself. Those who serve do so with a sense of duty to protect and defend.
Serving God’s Kingdom Above Our Own Ambitions (Matthew 6:33):
"As followers of Christ, we are called to serve God and His Kingdom above our own ambitions or personal agendas. Jesus reminds us of this in Matthew 6:33, where He says, 'But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.' This verse is a call to prioritize God’s purpose in our lives, putting His will above our own desires and trusting Him to provide what we need.
Just as soldiers commit themselves to a higher mission, we are invited to commit to God’s mission, letting His purposes guide our lives. This means that rather than chasing our own success, comfort, or recognition, we choose to put God’s Kingdom first. We serve others, share His love, and pursue justice, mercy, and humility, all because we trust that God will take care of the rest.
When we live this way, with a heart devoted to God’s Kingdom, our lives take on new meaning and depth. Our work, relationships, and goals all become part of something greater—serving as a witness to God’s love and a part of His redemptive plan in the world. This is the essence of true discipleship: to seek His Kingdom first, knowing that as we do, He will faithfully provide and guide us on the path He’s prepared.
I encourage you to see your life as part of God’s larger plan. As soldiers of Christ, we are called to serve His purposes and trust His guidance in our lives.
Spiritual Warfare:
Discuss how military service requires training, preparation, and discipline, mirroring the Christian life’s call to spiritual vigilance and preparation.
Ephesians 6:10-11 (NASB): “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”
Remind the congregation that we are in a spiritual battle each day and that, like soldiers, we need to equip ourselves through prayer, Scripture, and church/community support.
The Power of Unity and Fellowship:
Just as soldiers rely on their comrades, Christians are called to rely on one another. The support, encouragement, and unity within the body of Christ strengthen us for the journey.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB): “And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.”
Encourage the congregation to value fellowship and support one another, knowing we are all part of God’s army, each with a role to play in His Kingdom.
Closing Illustration:
"Imagine a lamp in a dark room. For the lamp to fulfill its purpose, it must first be connected to a power source, then turned on, and it must continue to shine steadily, casting light across the room.
In many ways, our Christian lives are like this lamp. First, we are called to connect ourselves to God, surrendering our lives as a ‘living sacrifice,’ just as Paul describes in Romans 12:1. Our purpose begins with laying down our own desires and letting His power flow through us.
Then, like soldiers ready to endure, we face moments of darkness and difficulty. But instead of relying on our own strength, we trust God’s power, letting Him sustain us as we continue to shine, remembering that His strength is perfected in our weakness.
As we seek God’s Kingdom above our own ambitions, we allow Him to aim our light where it’s needed most. Matthew 6:33 reminds us that when we put God’s mission first, all that we need will be added to us. Serving Him is about being willing to shine His light, not our own.
And just as a lamp brings warmth and illumination to those around it, we are called to serve others and endure with resilience, knowing that each act of service, each moment of endurance, each trust in His provision points others toward the hope of Christ.
So let us be like this lamp: fully surrendered, drawing on God’s strength, focused on His Kingdom, and shining with unwavering light for those in need of hope. In doing so, we reflect the heart of God, who calls us all to a life of sacrificial love and enduring faith."
What I just read comes from a military manual and is read by a Chaplain to all recruits on day one of their service.
Conclusion:
Let me close by reflecting that although not everyone has served in the military, we are all called to serve God with a soldier’s heart—sacrificing, enduring, and supporting one another as we pursue His will.
Let me reinforce that this calling is not for the few, but for all who seek to follow Christ.
Closing Prayer:
Pray for the congregation, asking for hearts willing to serve, hands willing to sacrifice, and spirits willing to endure for the sake of God’s Kingdom.
Acknowledge and give thanks for veterans without making it the focus; thank God for their example and pray for their protection and strength.