When traveling through airport terminals, frequently I encounter United States enlisted military men and women. As we pass, I call out, “Thank you for your service,” and they smile in response. It’s become a habit for me, and one I never plan to give up. To me, the challenging preparations they endure, their sacrifice, dedication, and commitment to serve and defend our country and its values, can’t be minimized. 

I know this, because I’m part of a church team that holds Christian Science Sunday services at Parris Island Marine Recruit Depot in Beaufort, South Carolina. Our church has participated in these weekly services for over 30 years, and the joy and inspiration they bring is both awesome and humbling.

When thinking about these patriotic men and women, I’m reminded of biblical heroes such as the young shepherd, David, and our Master, Christ Jesus. David, in warding off a bear and a lion, as well as prevailing over the combative Philistine, Goliath, protected the innocent and defended the freedom of the Israelites (see I Samuel 17:32–50). Jesus, by healing the blind, the deaf, the sinner, the diseased, the demoniac, and raising the dead proved man to be the perfect image and likeness of God. This recognition released the people who came to Jesus for help from physical and mental oppression.