Loyalty is one of those unique words that brings clarity and focus to circumstance. It is an enabling word that can help me separate selfish and selfless motives and actions. In a moment that word can identify a gift or highlight an opportunity to give.
We are often motivated by deep values that define character. Loyalty is that for most people that serve. Service is in essence a byproduct of loyalty. We are loyal to our nation and its heritage. We expect it from others and we give it as well. Loyalty begets loyalty.
I used to think a great deal about the shared heritage we had with those who had fought in other great wars. I thought initially it was the shared burden of stepping into harm’s way and the toil that separation from our families cost us. While that defines a part of that heritage there are some even clearer connections.
Do you remember how you felt the day the towers fell? Do you remember what it was like the next few days as people began to display American flags on everything? It was a culmination of all the emotions that come from seeing the true face of evil. It is that gut churning solemn state that arises from the horror of senseless death and destruction. That sense of the presence of evil is a part of a soldier’s tie to heritage.
Whether walking through Fallujah or the European theater in 1944, the presence and effect of evil constantly surrounds the American soldier. To daily interact with people who are free who were once enslaved is a motivating thing. It is in part that intangible tie to heritage. It motivates us to continue to fight. We want to rid this small part of earth from the cancer of terrorism. There is no rationalization for its evil existence. It must be completely and utterly destroyed.
This is a part of what it means to bear true faith and allegiance to the US constitution, the Army, your unit and other soldiers.
In the Bible “the men of Zebulun” were singled out for their “undivided loyalty.” What must have defined these men to be called out from so many great warriors? We know that they were experienced warriors and ready for battle. They were skilled with every type of weapon. Perhaps their greatest weapon was their loyalty.
Father God, help me remain loyal to you and those that have sacrificed so much before me. Impress on me the heart of the men of Zebulun. I want to be known as one with undivided loyalty.
“The men of Zebulun, experienced soldiers prepared for battle with every type of weapon, to help David with undivided loyalty 50,000.” (1 Chronicles 12:33)