Friday, February 27, 2009

It's not fair.

When a soldier goes off to war, he is out there giving himself fully to the cause of greater freedom. Not his own, because that freedom he could maintain with the weapons in his hands and his knowledge of quiet places he could go and take care of himself. No, it's not his own well being he fights for, because being on the front lines is actually the worst place for someone concerned for their own well being. No, it is clearly for the greater good, other's freedom, following orders, whatever you want to call it.

Then something happens. When he returns, he suffers from something very complicated and devastating. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It changes how he lives, changes how he thinks, changes who he is a person. It is the price he has paid for fighting for your freedom, but now you don't have to pay the price for his sickness. His stress problems. His anger. His lack of sleep. No, you got what you needed, you have been served, and when he has outlived his usefulness on the front lines, you would just as soon send another out there, and let this one take care of himself.

And what of the bad choices he makes. He, like any human with free will, is responsible for his own choices, before God and country, but it is not only insensitive but unintelligent to suggest that those choices are not in part a result of his time serving you, and the cost on ones life while doing that, even if they still have all of their limbs. The choices you make with that freedom earned by him are free, paid for. but the choices he makes, he must pay for. maybe criminally responsible for, maybe lose friends, family, or just peace of mind and the ability to live the way he did before fighting for you. But he must pay for it. It's his choice, right?

For all those not out there fighting, or supporting those who are or have already given all, what do you think your role in all of this is? Spectators? Recipients of something you don't appreciate and really value, unless you lose it? Consumers with demands to be met? (that doesn't make sense because even reasonable consumers must pay for what they want) What are you?

I think for the most part there are two categories. Those who fight for this cause, and those who don't have to think about it. Those who value it enough to give their lives to, and those who are too busy doing the things that those fighters would love to do when they get home, but probably won't have the peace of mind to be able to enjoy any more. At least not without help.

Don't feel bad. What could you do to help, right? No worries, cheers, w/e.

To those fighting, find other fighters who can help you live well even after you have given that life to something other than yourself. You have been promised that the sacrifice would be worth it, and it must be true, even if the recipients never appreciate the gift, or more importantly, the cost of that gift. And be careful out there, and back home too. neither place is safe. The acts of discipline and training you needed out in the field are just as needed back home. ! Cor. 9:27.

Happy Remembrance Day!

Pastor Pepsi, Poured Out Like A Drink Offering.

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