Honoring Veterans: A Call for Respect and Recognition
- David Avritt
- Nov 10, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 10, 2024
Please make sure to watch the videos below. It is sure to capture your heart.
It is crucial to show respect to both Christian and non-Christian veterans. I urge all churches and faith-based organizations to acknowledge them with the honor they deserve. Veterans make voluntary sacrifices of their bodies, families, and sometimes their marriages, and it is important to recognize their contributions.
During times of war (Iraq and Afgan), leaders had to decide between implementing a draft or relying on volunteers. A side note 70% of active-duty military personnel proudly identify as Christians, reflecting their faith and resilience. A significant number of veterans consider themselves religious, with reports indicating that over 90% of US veterans claim a religious affiliation. Many Christians were in Bible colleges or preparing for their studies, believing that by volunteering, they could provide sufficient manpower for the war effort. This allowed young Bible college students, pastors, and staff to stay and preach the gospel, upholding biblical standards on the home front. Although this approach was successful, many individuals encountered challenges upon returning home, facing mental health issues and reevaluating their spiritual paths.
For veterans, Veterans Day holds significant meaning, and we hope that churches and non-faith base organzation will embrace us with care on this occasion. Let us delve into the Bible's teachings on honoring veterans and inspire churches and people with ideas on how to show respect for veterans on Veterans Day. Remember, without our service, many would not have had the opportunity to avoid going to war.
I received a call informing me that I was being called up to active duty in my specialty. After praying about it, I decided to rejoin the active duty military for financial stability for my young family. The medical benefits were a bonus, along with the G.I. Bill and Army College Fund, which would assist me in obtaining a seminary degree later if I chose to continue my education. After much prayer, I committed to serving for just three years, but ended up serving on active duty for 22 years.
While I may not know your story, I believe it is just as valuable, if not more so, than mine. Whether you were drafted, enlisted, or commissioned, God led you to serve. He intended for you to reach your full potential and represent Him wherever you went.
One powerful verse from the Old Testament, written by an experienced military leader, reveals God's direct involvement in our training and learning journey. King David declared, "He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms." (Psalm 18:34). God equips us with everything necessary to become effective soldiers. While He may utilize drill sergeants, instructors, squad leaders, platoon sergeants, and first sergeants for our training, as Christians, we also receive direct guidance from the God of the universe through His Holy Spirit. His primary mission is to comfort, remind, and empower us in our daily walk of faith.
Despite numerous successes in my military career, I encountered several humbling failures that transformed me, making me more Christ-like. During challenging assignments, I learned to rely on God as my source of confidence and identity. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25) flourished within me, filling me with compassion, patience, kindness, and a peace that surpasses all understanding. I began to recognize the times when God blessed my efforts far beyond my expectations.
I imagine you have faced your share of failures in your years of service. You have undergone numerous trials, some unique to the military, like combat deployments or training exercises that took you away from home. Other challenges are part of the human experience, such as balancing work and family, health issues, or dealing with unreasonable bosses. In these moments, you leaned on the Lord for strength. Through each trial, you developed perseverance and grew closer to Christ.
God has used you to build a strong defense that brings peace to our world.
Through years of studying the theology of work, God has unveiled the invaluable contributions that our military personnel make. In her book *Kingdom Calling*, Amy Sherman presents God as our vocational model, illustrating how various kinds of work reflect His handiwork in our midst.
One of the categories she describes is "Justice Work," defining it as God's maintenance of justice. The Old Testament prophets assure us that a day will come when our Messiah Jesus returns and wars will cease (see Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3). Until that glorious day, a strong offensive capability is one of the ways God maintains peace on Earth.
Therefore, I confidently affirm that God is profoundly present in the work of our brave men and women in uniform. He calls them to be trained and ready—individually and as a team—to confront and defeat any enemy when duty calls. His presence is palpable at the military installation where I work, manifested through drill sergeants, instructors, leaders, and civilian staff who dedicate themselves to developing, coordinating, supporting, and executing the vital training provided to thousands of new soldiers each year.
What does the Bible inspire us to understand about veterans and the importance of honoring them?
The Bible does not specifically mention "veterans," but it speaks about service, sacrifice, and leadership that relate to military service. It encourages Christians to honor military personnel and see their work as serving God. Some people in the Bible were soldiers and men of God. Some examples of people who were soldiers and yet were men of God include Abraham, Joshua, and David.
In Romans 13:4 (King James Version), it says, "For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." Paul describes people in authority as God's servants who enforce justice. He tells believers to respect these authorities because God has placed them there for a reason.
God Honors Veterans
1. **Psalm 33:12**: This verse reminds us that a nation guided by God is blessed and that its people, including veterans, are valued.
2. **Lamentations 3:21-25**: This passage tells veterans that God's compassion never ends and that He is good to those who seek Him.
3. **Romans 8:38-39**: This verse reminds veterans of God's faithfulness.
The Bible shows an authority structure that includes the military, which God has established. The freedoms we enjoy are due to the service of those who have protected our nation. New Testament Christians should honor those who have served.
God understands the pain and struggles veterans face. He sees the spiritual wounds that can result from military service and wants to offer them comfort.
Closing Thoughts
With few exceptions, I believe most who have served in the military recognize the immense value of their work, as countless individuals have expressed their gratitude for their service. I trust that our Christian veterans have gained a deeper understanding of how much God values their contributions. He has actively worked in you, with you, and through you as part of His mission to bring justice and peace to the world.
As I conclude, I want to extend a heartfelt word of encouragement to the many combat veterans who have endured great losses while serving far from home. Many of you have lost battle buddies—your comrades in arms. Some have faced the pain of losing limbs or sustaining traumatic brain injuries. Others have lost families or, at times, even feel as though they have lost their souls.
I want to affirm that your work was not in vain. More importantly, there is comfort, healing, and rest to be found in God alone. He is your rock, your shelter, and your deliverer. When you receive His comfort, you can, in turn, share that gift with others who are in need (see 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
How to Honor Veterans at Your Church
Honoring veterans in your church is a meaningful way to show gratitude. Here are some clear ways to do this:
1. **Share Veterans' Stories**: Interview veterans in your congregation and share their stories. You can present these through videos, written testimonials, or live interviews during a service. You can also share this content on social media or in an email newsletter.
2. **Give a Small Gift**: Consider giving veterans a token of appreciation, like a pin, a book, or a thank-you note.
3. **Recognize Veterans in a Service**: Set aside part of your service to honor the veterans in your congregation. You can ask them to stand for recognition or include a special prayer or song dedicated to them.
4.**Gives veterans a chance to tell their stories**: Veterans have stories to tell about their time in service, which can be complex and include triumphs and failures
5. **Read Bible Scriptures**: Psalm 91 is known as the "Soldier's Psalm" or "Soldier's Prayer" because of its association with soldiers and their safety: Story: A US Army commander gave his soldiers cards with Psalm 91 printed on them to carry into battle.
Distribution: US military staffers have distributed camouflage bandanas with Psalm 91 printed on them to troops. Also the American troops in Iraq have read Psalm 91 before going on patrol.
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