The third character quality of a disciple is a renunciation of self as the authority and focus of one’s own life. This character trait is not taught in our civilian culture. The military, however, has it as one of its core values. “Selfless Service – Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and subordinates before your own.” Military life requires people to sacrifice themselves for another cause. In the Army Leadership Field Manual, it states, “For you as an Army leader, honor means putting Army values above self-interest, above career and comfort. For all soldiers, it means putting Army values above self-preservation as well.” Soldiers are taught to operate in a culture where the organization is more important than one’s own life. There are not many organizations that require such sacrifice; therefore, soldiers experience to a greater degree than civilians the character trait of renouncing self as the authority and focus of one’s life.
At West Point, they teach this character quality by requiring cadets to put aside personal ambitions in order to fully devote themselves to the institution. Donnithorne puts it this way;
Followers’ jobs are at their essence to do as they are told. They are asked to surrender – for a time – their independence and devote themselves exclusively to practicing the values of the institution they have joined. Each person who comes to West Point learns where one’s individual authority ends and the institution’s begins.
Tom Neven believes strongly that a military person needs help from God in order to deny oneself, stating, “It’s a good thing God is involved in our training, because without his help in overcoming our lower nature we’d be hard pressed to develop the discipline and obedience necessary to succeed in the military.”
General Douglass MacArthur, addressing the cadets at West Point in May of 1962, commented on how the ability to sacrifice comes from our Maker.
The soldier, above all other men, is required to practice the greatest act of religious training – sacrifice. In battle, and, in the face of danger and death, he discloses those divine attributes, which his Maker gave when He created man in His own image. No physical courage and no greater strength can take the place of the divine help, which alone can sustain him.
To deny oneself is a key character quality in both discipleship and military life. Military training can help a disciple learn and experience what it means to renounce self as the focus and authority of one’s own life and being a disciple can help a military person increase their ability to deny themselves for the mission.
Father, allow us to deny ourselves as the authority and focus of our own lives so we can be fully devoted to your will and serve others as you have served us.
Posted by David 