The picture was taken in June 1968. The Air Force wanted our families…especially our mommas to think their babies were just fine. I arrived in Amarillo, Texas for Basic Training in the middle of the night. The first thing we did was go to the chow hall and eat. The next thing we did was assemble in the dorm where we were given paper, pens and ordered to write home about how well things were going. A few days later, after I got my snappy haircut, I had this picture taken. Looking at the picture, you can almost hear the Air Force song, “Off we go into the wild blue yonder…”

Yes, you can tell from the look on my face I had no idea what was about to happen. As I was putting on the impressive blue bomber jacket I thought of a favorite movie, “12 O’clock High”. Maybe my assignment would be some heroic adventure on an airplane. Man, I would have loved to have had that jacket. But just after the camera flash I was told, “Get the jacket off and get back in line.”

It has been 58 years, but I still remember the transformational experience. Our DI (Drill Instructor) did not talk to us like our parents. He hollered, said funny things but no one dared crack a smile. He would run up to a person, use the bill of his smoky bear hat like a woodpecker to peck our head then scream, “What’s the matter sugar…do you have a problem?”

If you have always been a civilian, you  might think this is harsh, mean, wrong & disrespectful. Nothing could be further from the truth. The purpose of Basic Training is to save lives. It is done through a process that transforms people from thinking and acting as a civilian to thinking and responding as a military unit. The military is a different world. Trust & Obey saves lives.

The military has its own laws and regulations. It’s called the Code of Uniform Justice. The moment I was sworn into the Air Force, my rights as a civilian were over. I am subject to my commander 24/7.

I am Blessed to have experienced being in the military. It gave me insights into much of the Bible. We find in Romans 12:1-2, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Note: God is not asking for a part-time…Sunday morning only commitment.

There is a battle that has been going on for the hearts and souls of people since Satan was thrown out of Heaven. We find this evidence Ezekiel 28:11-19, Revelation 12:7–9, Luke 10:18, Isaiah 14:12–15 and many more places throughout God’s Word. We are in the middle of a combat zone. And God wants to save your life.

Jesus told us in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” He gave certainty to His followers in John 10:28, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:11-17 “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…” Military training was not comfortable, fun, and sweet. It had its moments of humor and stress release, but it was transformational on purpose.

When we ask, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our heart, He will change the way you think and act. Followers of Christ are to, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13

When I became a Follower of Christ in 1984, I had no idea what was about to happen. Like military training and its way of life, I didn’t always understand or like it. When I started thinking about myself…I got in trouble. And I recognize the old military proverb, “Hurry up and wait” is part of both the military & God’s way. Both have unique standards. Both have unique looks. Both have One Commander. But the Big-Dog-Deal…at the heart of it all is, Trust & Obey. It saves lives.

Who will you be following when the “king of kings and lord of lords.” (Revelation 19:11-16) returns?