Love in the Trenches
One of my favorite things to do is study American military history, but I am intrigued by studying the stories of World War II, the Civil War, and other historic times in American history. Recently, I watched a documentary on Marines sent to Japan during World War II. It was graphic. But the silver lining in the entire story was that of men who weren’t killed in the line of duty. So many men lost their lives during those vicious battles, but they all had something in common. Many of those men had pictures of their wives, girlfriends, fiances, or families. They read letters from home, endured things most of us would deem unfit for a nightmare.
What causes the human body to keep fighting when we are at death’s door? What causes us to keep getting back up, time after time, one setback after another? Some would argue the primary factor is determination. I believe the single factor that is the root of all those other factors is love. When you don’t get the raise at work, or when things fall through on purchasing your new home, or maybe you get a bad report at the doctor, you don’t quit. You keep fighting. That’s the push of love. The thing that kept Jesus moving when He was being beaten on the long walk to Calvary? Love. The reasons our military men and women, law enforcement, and other first responders fight for us, serve, and stand guard? Love. The reason you and I keep getting up, keep trying, keep fighting, keep dreaming, and keep believing? Love. Yes, I know it is so much more than that, but love is the root of everything else we discuss. Without it, we are hopeless.
Heavenly Father, When I am in the trenches of life, help me remember that love is the fuel to fight, it is the root of determination, and if I have all the ambition or dreams but lack love, I am without eternally. Remind me in all my endeavors, through Your word and conviction, no matter how successful I am, that love is the foundation. Your love, Father, is the foundation for all I do. -Amen
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Romans 12:9-11 ESV
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