Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 (KJV).
Jared C. Monti, Michael P. Murphy – (Afghanistan), Jason Dunham, Ross A. McGinnis, Michael A. Monsoor, Paul R. Smith – (Iraq). These servicemen are the most recent to have been awarded this nation’s highest military award, The Medal of Honor. They were each honored for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of their own lives above and beyond the call of duty. Faced with grave danger in the midst of battle, they exemplified extreme courage and bravery saving the lives of their comrades, sacrificing themselves in the process. Intrepidity is defined as fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance. These modern-day heroes were selfless and gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
What makes a person fall on a grenade, or expose himself to enemy fire in order to save his fellow servicemen. In a split second, these valiant men made the decision to press on, in spite of the presence of fear and danger. Their love for their country and fellow-man “trumped” their own safety, and like most, but not all Medal of Honor winners, they paid the highest price possible – their lives. Their actions of immeasurable courage and uncommon valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect greatly credit upon themselves, their military units, and this country.
For most believers, the dangers we face daily in our walk with Christ does not compare to the dangers these medal recipients faced. Few of us are even called upon to make a decision that could cost us our lives. But, however, the decisions we make daily have everything to do with our lives. Not only do the decisions we make affect our own lives, but they also affect the lives of others. May we as fellow laborers be willing to fall on the grenades of life and absorb the blast for our brothers and sisters. May we cover the mistakes of others and even “take the hit” if necessary. And may our lives be in keeping with the highest standards of the faith and reflect great credit upon ourselves, our local fellowships and our Lord.
To read the individual Medal of Honor citations, visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#War_in_Afghanistan
