What Are You Willing to Sacrifice for HIM?

What are You Willing to Sacrifice for HIM?

Romans 12:1 -2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

This week at America's KESWICK, Pastor Ron Schmidt, Senior Pastor of Davisville Church in Southampton, PA is our morning Bible teacher. This morning he shared something very fascinating about the soldiers who stand guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Listen to what a soldier is willing to give up to serve in this capacity:

The Highest Honor -- The Path He Takes

1. The guard takes 21 steps which refers directly to the 21 gun salute, the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
2. The guard hesitates after his about face for 21 seconds for the same reason.
3. His gloves are moistened so as not to lose grip on his rifle.
4. He carries his rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, doing an about face, he places the gun on the opposite shoulder for the return walk.
5. Guards are changed every 30 minutes 24/7 365 days a year, since 1930.

Qualifications

To apply for the job, he must be between 5'10 and 6'2 and his waist cannot exceed 30 inches. He must commit 2 years of his life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, take no alcohol or swear on or off duty for the rest of his life, nor can he disgrace the fighting uniform or tomb in any way.

The first 6 months a guard can talk to no one nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in the Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred.

After 2 years, he is given a wreath pin to wear on the lapel, signifying that he has served as a guard at the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn at this time. He must obey all these rules for the rest of his life or give up the pin.

Clothing Regulations

The shoes are made with very thick soles to protect from heat and cold. There are metal plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.
Guards spend 5 hours a day getting their uniforms ready for guard duty and dress for duty in front of a full length mirror to be sure there are no folds, wrinkles or lint.

Standing Firm

In 2003, as Hurricane Isabelle approached Washington, DC, military members were given permission to suspend the assignment but they respectfully declined. Soaked to the skin in the pelting rain of the tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, but the highest honor afforded to any serviceperson.

My question for you ... what are you willing to sacrifice for our great God? If an American soldier is willing to make this kind of sacrifice for his country, should we not be willing to sacrifice everything for HIM? Think about it. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 22; Psalm 31-32; Acts 23:16-35

Great Quote: When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now...When first things are put first, second things are not suppressed but increased. (Clive Staples) C. S. Lewis