Sticking to Our Values

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                                                         Sticking to Our Values
 
 If you haven’t seen the movie yet, “Heartbreak Ridge”, I highly recommend it.  Through I must warn you, the war scene footage is extremely graphic and difficult to watch.  The movie is based on the true story of Lynchburg native, Desmond Doss.  Corporal Doss was the first conscientious objector to earn the congressional Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military award.  A devout follower of Christ, Doss believed that it was not right for him to kill others, but he wanted to serve his country so he volunteered as a medic.  During boot camp, his fellow soldiers ridiculed him for refusing to fire a rifle.  They mocked him when he read his Bible and knelt beside his bunk at night to pray.  But in combat, it was a different story.  During the World War II battle for Okinawa in May 1945, Doss repeatedly risked his life to rescue scores of wounded men.  Through the entire ordeal Doss kept praying, “Lord, help me save one more.”  Through his unselfish actions, he earned the gratitude and respect of his former critics and of those whose lives he saved.  In fact, on the second attempt to take the Ridge the men won’t go without Cpl. Doss.  Since it happens on Doss’ Sabbath (He’s a Seventh Day Adventist), they delay the attack for 20 minutes for Doss to finish praying.
                                                                               
I’m reminded of the words of I Peter 3:14-16. “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threat; do not be frightened.”  But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. This world may not always treat us fairly.  At times we may even suffer persecution because of our faith.  Yet, we must keep on loving and serving, leaving the results to God.  May our response to a hurting world that’s often hostile to Christ be one that demonstrates God’s love.
               
Have a great week!
Pastor Barry
 
If you would like to comment or if you have questions for Pastor Barry you may direct those to bglawson75@gmail.com.   We would love to hear from you.