"That’s what we’re looking for.”

 

 

Noticing parallels between SEALs and Christians

(pt.8)

  
     During a night run a SEAL candidate’s room was secretly trashed by an instructor before inspection.  He was reprimanded, cleaned his shambled room, and up at 0430 as expected.  Weeks later another instructor was asked about this. He said, “The body can take [about] anything. It’s the mind that needs training.  The question that guy was being asked involved mental strength.  ‘Can you handle such injustice? Can you cope with that kind of unfairness, that much of a setback, and still come back with your jaw set, still determined, [assuring] God you will never quit?’  That’s what we’re looking for.”

    Paul commands, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Rom 12:2) Peter says trials are only if need be , and they are to prove our faith, which is more precious than gold (1 Pet 1:6).  He tells of Jesus’ trusting the Father while enduring ultimate injustice from men for us (1 Pet 2:23); and that He is our example (1 Pet 4:1). Consider Him so you will not grow weary and lose heart (Heb 12:3).  Trusting, faithful endurance amidst injustice for doing well, this finds favor (grace) with God (1 Pet 2:19-20). That’s what He’s looking for.

“Keep Going until You’re Secured.”

Noticing parallels between SEALs and Christians

(pt.7)

        Navy SEAL Marcus Lutrell comments on why he thinks the majority of his class dropped out, “They weren’t completing each task as it came, living for the day.  The had allowed themselves to live in dread of the pain and anguish to come.  And, [Capt. Maquire] told us never to do that, just take it hour by hour...Keep going until you're secured.”

    In the same way Jesus commands us, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Mt 6:34 NLT).  Ps 37:3 also reminds us, “Trust in Yahweh and do good.” As we do, focusing on what He has for us hour to hour, day to day, we are much less likely to be overwhelmed by all that our fear, insecurity, and temptations can muster up.  Don’t let yourself live in coming dread; just keep going until you’re secured.

"It’s Never Over"

Noticing parallels between SEALs and Christians

(pt.6)

 
     The U.S. Navy S.E.A.L. code contains: “We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my teammates and the success of our mission depend on me―my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail. My training is never complete.”

    Hebrews 12 says, “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.”  We are not alone. We have a team of seen and unseen saints.  And, our mission depends on you and all the gifts and creativity God has given you.

    Eph 2:8 in the Greek says that by grace we are being saved through faith as God’s gift.  It is NOT a one-time event as some translations can imply. Our training, our deliverance, our ever-growing relationship with Father is never complete.  Let’s help each other so no one is left behind. It's never over!

Honor, Leadership, & Service Pt. 2

Noticing parallels between SEALs and Christians

(pt.5)

     The US Navy SEAL philosophy, or “code” includes: “I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men. Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond. 

    “We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates, and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations.”

     In Colossians 3, we are commanded to lead others, and be lead both in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.  We parent, lead, submit, obey, and work as unto Jesus Himself, whether anyone else sees or not.  Christians serve with honor and integrity expecting to be led and lead by example.  Hooyah!

"Honor, Leadership, & Service 1"

Noticing parallels between SEALs and Christians

(pt. 4)

      The US Navy SEAL philosophy, or code, states in part: “I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own.” This sounds like motherhood (and the Christian life in general. Jesus said in Luke 17:10, “So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.’”

      Godly mothers do so much for so many, yet their value is sadly underestimated and undermined. Imagine if we would view that profession, that career, that calling as noteworthy as SEAL or CEO. I doubt many would say that Jesus’ mother, Mary wasted her life by pouring it into her children. I doubt it for Susanna Wesley too. After all, without her (the 25th child) raising 19 children, we would not have all God brought, and is still bringing, through the work of John and Charles.

"Serious Business"

Noticing parallels between SEALs and Christians

(pt. 3)...

      Walking with God is not merely a pleasure cruise on the way to Heaven; it’s a battleship stationed at the gates of Hell. The battle we are a part of (both as participants and as victims) is one of cosmic proportions and eternal consequences. But, it is often fought in seemingly little things.

      SEAL team leader, Marcus Lutrell remembers an early admonition from his instructor in his training: “This is a school for warriors, understand? This is the most serious business there is. And, if you don’t want to do it, then get out―right now!”

      Our three enemies are the world, the flesh, and the devil. And though people are involved in our fight, we fight not them, but the spirit behind them (Eph 6:12). And, we fight against everything that competes with God’s attention and keeps people from the true knowledge of God (2 Cor 10 3-5). We need to be ever-ready for the victory God has granted us in Christ (both for ourselves and others). This is most serious business there is.

"We’re Invincible, Right?"

Noticing parallels between SEALs & Christians

(pt. 2)...

      Every Navy SEAL is supremely confident because they are indoctrinated with a belief in victory at all costs; a conviction that no earthly force can withstand their thunderous assault on the battlefield. Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell said, “We’re invincible, right? Unstoppable. That’s what I believed to the depths of my spirit on the day they pinned that trident on my chest. I still believe it. And I always will.”

      When Christ’s followers understand their identity in Christ and the power of the Spirit mightily working in us, we live victoriously over temptation (1 Cor 10:13; Gal 5:16; Jude 24-25; 2 Pet 3:3-10; Ps 119:165, etc.). Our weapons are not worldly, but mighty through God (2 Cor 10:3-5). When we really grasp the victory that is promised to us (and already won by Jesus), we live more freely, obediently, and holy in front of the world bringing God glory and them good. If God is for us, who can be against us? In Christ, we're invincible, right?

"We Are Never Out Of It."

     

Noticing parallels between SEALs and Christians

(pt. 1)

     The philosophy for the US Navy SEALs includes the paragraph: “I will never quit...My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates...I am never out of the fight.” 

     Like the SEALs, Christians are in this together― one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all (Eph 4:4-6). By God’s grace, we are to live for Him and each other. We put to death the desires of our fallen nature. If we sin, we repent and get back up continuing to trust in Jesus. “For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again,” (Prov 24:16). “We proclaim Him, admonishing... and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ,” (Col 1:28). We are never out of it!