COMMITMENT

He humbly sits at our head table in his Dress Greens. Around his neck a blue ribbon holds a precious five pointed star that symbolizes the highest award for valor in combat action a soldier can earn. We admire this World War II veteran and he seems genuinely touched that we have made him an honorary member of our battalion.

Robert D. Maxwell, Technician Fifth Grade, displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 7 September 1944, near Besancon, France. Armed only with .45 caliber automatic pistols, Maxwell and three fellow soldiers defended their battalion observation post against an overwhelming attack by enemy infantrymen in approximately platoon strength, supported by 20mm. flak and machinegun fire at ranges as close as 10 yards. Despite a hail of fire from automatic weapons and grenade launchers, Maxwell aggressively fought off the advancing enemy and by his calmness, tenacity, and fortitude, inspired his fellows to continue the unequal struggle. When an enemy hand grenade was thrown in the midst of his squad, Maxwell unhesitatingly hurled himself squarely upon it, using his blanket and his unprotected body to absorb the full force of the explosion. This act of heroism permanently maimed him, but saved the lives of his comrades . . .

Meditation

Deuteronomy 30:19,20—This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him . . .

True commitment is formed around the free will of choice. Robert Maxwell without coercion smothered a tiny bomb to save the lives of men he resolved to protect. Commitment gives us direction in how we should live (and die). A soldier swears to protect his country. A mother pledges to raise her children. A counselor promises to help her patients. An athlete determines to train hard so as to win.

When God asks us to choose life He is asking for our commitment! We decide to love Him, to listen to His voice, and to obey His instruction. We understand commitment when we see a man adorned with the Congressional Medal of Honor. But do we comprehend its place in our own lives before our Almighty Father in heaven? God is not honored by whim and fad. He searches for those who walk resolved to know Him, to serve Him, to set aside personal agendas, and to stand passionately against the very flak hell spews. Are you committed to the One Who smothered the grenade of sin with the body of His own Son?

Inspiration

It is impossible to carry a cross with one hand.—Robert Boardman