> Pat Tillman's Example
> Gary Kurz
>
> It wasn't of the magnitude of 9/11, but the news stunned the
> nation just the same. Pat Tillman was dead. The man who
> personified the "can do" spirit of America, the ultimate
> volunteer, had fallen in battle. His courage and willingness to
> stand on his convictions for the benefit of this country mirrored
> the example set by the founding fathers. Like them, he walked
> away from personal fortune and fame, risking his life when he did
> not have to, pushed on by the dictates of a patriot's heart. No
> price could have kept him from what he perceived to be his duty;
> no cost could have persuaded him to reconsider.
>
> Working hard to achieve personal readiness for combat, he pushed
> himself relentlessly, as he had done in the National Football
> League. His arduous training complete, he arrived on the
> battlefield a distinguished Army Ranger and became the darling of
> the American public. Collectively, perhaps without even
> realizing it, Americans channeled their zeal and support for the
> war effort through this one towering volunteer. Tillman had
> become the Audie Murphy of our day, capturing the hearts of most
> Americans.
>
> Now he was gone. If that was not enough, we were to learn that
> he fell, not at the hands of terrorists or insurgents, but rather
> from accidental friendly fire. The delay of this news and the
> apparent attempt to cover up the circumstances of his death, led
> to public indignation and an understandable response of outrage
> from his family. That notwithstanding, Tillman's wonderful
> example of selflessness should not be diminished in the minds of
> Americans, especially Christian Americans.
>
> What set him apart from the other great men and women of our
> armed services was his willingness to subordinate himself when he
> was on top of the world. By his own admission he felt he owed a
> debt to society and he willingly volunteered to pay it. Although
> sadly, Tillman himself claimed to be an atheist, we Christians
> would do well to emulate his altruistic and sacrificial spirit.
>
> There are many similarities between Tillman's situation and that
> of the believer. In Christ, we also are on top of the world,
> figuratively speaking. Romans 8:37 (kjv) reminds us that ""¦we
> are more than conquerors through him that loved us".
> Additionally, we too have a debt to society; to bring the good
> news of Jesus Christ to them. We too must subordinate ourselves,
> assuming the role of soldier and servant in order to accomplish
> our mission and win the battle.
>
> Moreover, like Tillman, we are volunteers, or at least we should
> be. Of course we have a mandate from the Lord to "go and teach
> all nations"; I won't argue that. Clearly, Jesus was not
> asking for volunteers. The reality is however, that many
> Christians do not go, because they chose not to. God allows us
> to exercise our free will and we are free to disobey.
>
> Could God force us to obey? Of course he could"¦but he doesn't.
> God does not want us to be mindless drones without conviction.
> He wants us to willingly and purposely obey him. He desires for
> us to voluntarily submit to his will and to carry out the great
> commission to evangelize.
>
> While we can do nothing more for Pat Tillman than to celebrate
> his service to America, he can do much for us by the example he
> set. Christians need to catch hold of his selfless zeal and
> surrender themselves to the work of the Lord. The Lord loves a
> willing heart.
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> Gary Kurz, is a retired Coast Guard Officer and Baptist Preacher. His
> most popular book, "Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates" delivers hope and
> comfort to those who have lost a cherished pet. Visit at
> http://www.coldnosesbook.com
> for more information, tips and other useful features or write to Gary
> at petgate@aol.com
>
