Article September 2, 1944 Issue

Man Is Never a Casualty

EUNICE H. DIZER

"Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness. ...He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord." These words of the Psalmist can encourage us today as evil tidings regarding the fate of men are circulated and casualties are predicted. Are we to accept these evil tidings for our loved ones or others? Are we to live in fear and dread that we, too, may receive such news, or shall we claim that light which riseth in darkness unto the upright, and, trusting in the Lord, be not afraid of evil tidings?

The dictionary defines a "casualty" in part as, "A soldier unavailable for service, because of death, wounds, discharge, capture, or any cause." It also gives as one definition of "service," "Spiritual serving as shown by obedience, good works, and love." Is it possible to believe that man, the image and likeness of God, can ever be rendered incapable of spiritually serving God and his fellow man because of matter?

The Bible promises that good shall be the reward of the righteous, and surely it is righteous to serve one's country under arms in the cause of liberty. That very act entitles one to God's protection, regardless of place or circumstance. A card distributed by the Seamen's Church Institute emphasizes the fact in these words: "The safest place in all this world is the place of duty. God's wings are over it and God's peace guards it."

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