Do Everything In Love
212 men lined up single file in front of the chow hall at meal times. The drill sergeants let in 10 soldiers at a time, and the rest had to do 15 push-ups before the next 10 entered. This was done very rapidly, but those at the end of the line had to do over 600 push-ups (after 2 hours of sit-ups and push-ups) before they got their breakfast.
We were then given two minutes to eat and were required to keep our face straight down toward our plate. If anyone was caught looking around the drill sergeants would say he wasn't hungry and making turn in his food tray. What was the point of all this? I couldn't say. There are a thousand better ways to gain compliance than through punishment.
After all, if we went to war, the very people torturing us would have counted on us to save their lives. Those who are wise always leave the door open to the possibility of a future relationship with others. In 1 Corinthians 16:14 God tells us, "Do everything in love." We are not to bully or be unkind to others. We are not to be mean- spirited toward those with whom we disagree. And when we are mistreated, we are to respond with gentleness and love.
This does not require a softening of standards. A brutal fitness regime that includes lack of sleep has value for infantry soldiers. Long marches with heavy packs has value. Your moral standards have value. Your work ethic has value. Never lower your standards, but BE KIND. Do everything in love, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad
Written on July 28, 2025
Posted in Daily Devotions