Today's Devotional

November 8, 2002

Subject:  Happy Birthday Marines

1Timothy 5:17 - "Let the elders that rule well, be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine."

Honor is the byline for the United States Marine Corps.  I have been witness to the expulsion of Marines from the ranks of the Corps for infractions ranging from adultery to cheating on an exam and from DUI to misappropriating money.  While living according to the motto of the Marine Corps, "Semper Fi', should make us honorable, what makes us worthy of honor?  It can only be the call that we have to sacrifice.  In this year's birthday message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps, he calls us "a fraternity of sacrifice."  In many ways we have been honored for that commitment that we have.

God says that those elders and leaders of our churches who rule well should get double the honor and likewise it can only be because of the supreme sacrifice that they make for the cause of Christ.  Then He even adds, "especially" to those who teach the word.  Today, we pause to reflect upon 227 years of honest and faithful service by the United States Marine Corps and as we do, we should likewise reflect upon those who are worthy of double that honor.  Thank a preacher or teacher of the word this weekend and let them know they are appreciated.

Carlen