Semper Fi!

When I think of the many veterans who have faithfully served our country throughout its long history, I can't help but think of the Marine Corps motto, "Semper Fidelis." That Latin phrase simply means, "always faithful."

When I think of that phrase, I think of the many soldiers in all branches of our military who willingly gave their lives for others, even when facing certain death  — faithful to the end  — heroes, every one.

Then I think of the brave men and women listed in the latter part of Hebrews 11 — those brave heroes of faith, who willingly gave their lives for others and for the Lord, even when facing certain death  — faithful to the end  — heroes, every one (Hebrews 11:23-40).

Our Lord said of such men and women: "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13).

Then our Lord said: "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you" (John 15:14).

There's no question that evil thinking people in our world are becoming more evil every day (2 Timothy 3:13). And because of this fact, we as Christians will have to eventually endure some pretty severe persecution coming down the road (2 Timothy 3:11-12).

The questions we must ask ourselves are these: "Will I be willing to stay faithful to the Lord, even when looking into the very face of certain death?" (Revelation 2:10; cf. Matthew 10:22; Matthew 24:13). "Will I continue to be His friend, even under those circumstances? Will I be counted among those heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11?"

I don't know about you, dear reader, but as for me:

Semper Fi!

 —Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets