Stay the course…
Can I count on you?
Terry Dashner….Faith Fellowship Church PO Box 1586 Broken
Arrow, OK 74013
Semper fidelis is a fabulous Latin motto meaning that in
centuries of Roman might the soldier swore that he would fight
for Caesar, never questioning his safety. The Latin motto means
“always faithful.” The motto is the official pledge of the
United States Marine Corps. It signifies the dedication that
individual Marines are expected to have to “The Corps” and to
their fellow fighting men and women for the rest of their days
and beyond. Being a former Navy Corpsman, I’m very familiar with
the term, even its shorter form: “Semper Fi.”
May I ask you a question? Have you ever been a part of an
organization that required your utmost dedication? Probably so,
right? And not only did it require your dedication, but it
required steadfastness. You were not only required to show up
but to participate, even when others were discouraged and
falling away. What caused you to last while others left?
Remember this historical event–the pass of Thermopylae? In the
pass of Thermopylae, in the country of Greece, there stands a
monument, world renowned, erected to Leonidas and his valiant
three hundred. It bears the inscription: “Go, stranger, and tell
at Sparta that we died here fighting to the last in obedience to
our laws,” and it commemorates that thrilling event when
Leonidas with his three hundred successfully held the pass of
Thermopylae against tremendous odds until betrayed into the
hands of the enemy. Thus this monument bears magnificent witness
to the qualities of loyalty and steadfastness.
Three hundred men fought off the mammoth army and navy of the
Persians, against impossible odds, and did it successfully until
one of their own told the Persian army how to go around the
pass. A loose lip and unfaithful heart were all it took to wipe
out an indigenous people of Greece. And so it is true in any
church, organization, club, military or even a family unit that
the weakest link is the untrue heart.
One thing I’ve learned through the years of service in military,
law enforcement, and church is that loyalty and steadfastness
are two attributes that stand head and shoulders above
eloquence, talent, and prestige. I’d rather serve with a loyal
and steadfast servant than anyone of super talent, super speech,
or super charisma. Maybe you agree. I think that’s why the Bible
is full of scriptures like Revelation 2:10: “Be thou faithful
unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life” (KJV).
Keep the faith. Stay the course. Jesus is coming again for a
faithful and steadfast Bride.
Pastor T.
