“Are you guilty of ‘Stolen Valor’?”
 As absurd as these posers look to genuine veterans, I wonder how idle Christians look in the eyes of Christ, the Disciples, and great pioneers of the faith. “Do something for the Lord!” (Make a Donation) Not long ago, I had a detailed vision relating to stolen valor — a term applied to the phenomenon of people falsely claiming military service they did not perform and/or awards and badges they did not earn. These posers like to hang around common, public areas — like malls, fast-food restaurants, coffee shops, airports, etc. — and receive accolades, attention, atta-boys, discounted shopping, and free coffee or meals from the general public. Because they didn’t actually serve, they stick out like a sore thumb to seasoned, authentic veterans. As you may recall, we minister directly to a military community, so a little while back, I showed our folks a short Youtube Video of someone caught in the act of stolen valor, impersonating a Marine. Afterwards, I asked for their thoughts. Across the board, they were offended, insulted, and maddened. I asked why. They said things like, “Because he’s deceiving people! He hasn’t earned the right to wear that uniform! He hasn’t gone through the sacrifice that I have! Without the sacrifice, he can’t possibly appreciate that uniform! That guy is receiving benefits reserved for those who have actually served and sacrificed. It’s a privilege to wear that uniform!” Admittedly, my initial focus of discussion was on the posers, these military wanna-be’s, but all the while my destination was the matter of Christian posers. I asked, “Can stolen valor be applied to Christians?” Few understood where I was going with this, grasping for the connection. I continued, “I’m referring to Christ and the uniform he earned for us — the robes of righteousness.” (Isaiah 61:10) To be sure, none of us earned these robes. Regardless, all Christians are still called to sacrifice — obedience, faith, maturity, and discipleship. Yet, far too many Christians refuse to actually serve (read their bibles, share the gospel, confront sin with God’s word, pray at home or in public, stand up to ungodly lifestyles, beliefs and laws, or simply be discipled) because of fear, passivity, pride, and ignorance. Unbeknownst to them, their passivity and disinterest actually belittles the sacrifice and works of Christ. Idle and no works, these posers still expect to reap the benefits reserved for those who actually engage, work, and sacrifice. (Sigh) Allow me to paint a picture: Imagine you’re with a squad of Marines, smack-dab in the middle of a life and death firefight. How many of you would be okay with someone who didn’t feel like joining the fray ’cause it’s too dangerous or inconvenient for them? Likewise, these dormant Christians want protection and the assurance of salvation, but repeatedly choose comfort and safety for themselves. To them I would scream, “You may not fight like me, but do something!!!” Heaven and hell are real, and the eternal destiny of souls is at stake, yet many Believers aren’t willing to personally risk anything towards the Lord’s works. Ephesians 2:10 reads, “No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join Him in the work He does, the good work He has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.” (The Message) Daily, I encounter so many closet Christians (young and old) who unknowingly are flirting with this stolen valor. Their only “works for the Lord” are within Christian circles or on social media, especially Facebook. They spend vast amounts of time on lengthy discussion threads, bravely deliberating but never doing. The deeper ones consider themselves theologians and doctrinally sound, and many are, but there’s very minimal Kingdom fruit in their works. (Read 1Tim 6:20-21; 1Tim 1:4; Tit 3:9-11) They’re kinda like Jesus’ disciples in John 9:1-5, who were more interested in discussing the blind man’s situation, rather than working and healing the man. They talk great theory, but they walk ghost-practice. While inside the wire, they boldly spout doctrine, theology, theories, correction, and criticism, but outside the wire their silence is glaring. They intentionally avoid face-to-face conversations with unsaved, lost people because that’s too unsettling. too risky, too scary. If this is you, you are not in the good fight! (1Tim 6:12; 2Tim 4:7) You are not engaged! My challenge to you is to stop being afraid, stop procrastinating, stop being passive, and stop making excuses. Let the love of Christ, and salvation through Him alone, motivate you to literally engage people with His truths. I promise it will be uncomfortable at first, but you will grow. As Believers, we’re commanded to “take up our cross” (Mt 16:24-25), “die daily” (1Cor 15:31), and to “know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings” (Php 3:10). It cost Jesus everything to bring us salvation. What has it cost you to be a Christian? Some respond with, “Salvation is free.” Try telling that to Jesus, because it cost him his life! Salvation may be free, but discipleship will cost you everything! (Mt 10:34-39; Lu 12:49-53; Jn 15:18-21) Ask yourself, “As a Christian, am I living a life worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice?” Without sacrifice on our part, we can’t possibly appreciate Christ’s sacrifice, and his sacrifice is never to be taken lightly. Neither is taking up His uniform — those robes. Fulfill your ministry! (2Tim 4:5; 2Cor 5:11-21)
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Agree with us in Prayer: When I go into the Brig, I do not shrink from declaring to the prisoners anything that is profitable to them (Ac 20:20). Likewise, we had a dear friend whose son was choosing to stray from the faith. She stood her ground and told him, “I’ve done my job. I’ve taught you the faith. It’s on you, now.” Currently, with COVID-19 precautions and quarantines, all Religious Chapel meetings are prohibited. Understandable. Therefore, in the meantime, I am experimenting with Monday & Saturday Web Services via Facebook Live. (Be looking for live videos Mondays @7 PM and Saturdays @6 PM — Japan Time.) As I dabble and learn, my goal is to make the live videos as interactive as possible. It’s funner that way. (Lol! Pray for a brother.) a. For the Brig/Prison: I continue to ask God for all the souls in the Brig, even the Guards. Pray for the inmates, guards, and their families. Bind up spirits of bitterness, unforgiveness, shame, condemnation, and pride. And loose a spirit of salvation, discipleship, forgiveness, exposure, healing, deliverance, peace, and restoration! b. For continued increase at ZCDC (Churchplant). Pray for mature, qualified families and permanent personnel to co-labor with us in the northern-most, remote area of Okinawa. c. For Zebulun Worship Team as they practice and develop their gifts. d. For our Believers, that they walk in increased discernment, wisdom, maturity, power, and that they are properly discipled, and that they bear much Kingdom fruit! e. Pray against retaliatory, unclean spirits (on base and off base). Bind up demonic spirits of lust, division, strife, envy, competition, and fear. And loose a spirit of unity, peace, love, and faith among Believers. f. For our current schedule, i.e. finances, resources, wisdom, strategies, and strength: |
In closing… One of my favorite pics of Sandy. (Lol! They’re all my favorite.) I met Sandy in late ’84. I knew we had something special, but back then I couldn’t understand. We had a great relationship and marriage, but ten years later, a personal epiphany would take us to another level of intimacy and happiness. Saints, we love y’all and we pray God’s grace, peace, and favor over you! Together, as we go through this global crisis, I ask you, “Is anything bigger than God?” Of course not. So, keeping things in perspective, be reminded that God is bigger than anything we face. Pray and continue to seek His face! (2Chron 7:14) Sandy and I remain focused on His works. People still need salvation, comfort, answers, hope, faith, and love. So, we do our best to make disciples, equip them, and release them into the fields, because “the earnest expectation of the creation waits for the manifestation of the sons of God.” (Rom 8:19) The world is lost and in pain waiting for Christians to show up and point them all towards Christ. We can use your help, especially now with a huge dip in giving due to COVID-19 and social distancing. Please consider partnering with us in the Lord’s works, here. Financial gifts and contributions can be made online through Christians In Action. Or, you can mail contributions to the address listed below. I declare that you live like your life is worth nothing to you unless you use it for finishing the work assigned to you by the Lord Jesus — the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God! (Ac 20:24) Contributions can be mailed to: Please ensure Acct #426 is annotated on your contribution so the funds can be allocated correctly. |
— Our Mission & Vision —“Gather Sheep & Convert Goats!”“Catch, Clean, & Release!” |