Death or Glory?

Romans 8:18 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us.”

The SAS have a motto: ‘Who Dares Wins’. Actually the first ever mission for these supposedly crack troops was a complete disaster. It would have been easy for them to have retreated to the safety of their barracks and we’d never have heard of them again. But they didn’t. They went back to the drawing board, sharpened their trade, and proved the value of daring and winning on numerous subsequent occasions. Another military motto, from the 17th Regiment of Dragoons, reads: ‘Death or Glory’. These soldiers were the ones who led the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War. Their bravery was unparalleled, and despite serious casualties, their fierce reputation was such that the Russian Cavalry refused to confront them for the entire duration of the war.

However, for Christians it’s never a case of death or glory – rather it’s death and glory. Re-read the above verse by Paul. Elsewhere he writes: “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

Many followers of Christ throughout history have similarly echoed those words. Christopher Love was a missionary in India. He was captured, tortured and put to death. He had already written a note to his wife that stated: “Today they will sever me from my physical head, but they cannot sever me from my spiritual head, Christ.” As he walked to his death, his wife applauded while he sang of glory. As his persecutors began to skin him alive, he looked directly at them and said: “I thank you for this. Tear off my old garment, for I will soon put on Christ’s garment of righteousness.”

Few of us will be called to be martyrs, but may we all be inspired by such stories of total commitment. Our task is more important than any earthly military, so let’s embrace the commission whatever the cost.

Lord, I choose to live and die wholly commissioned by and committed to you. Amen!