Given the tasks and the environment of the Warfighter in the various third-world cesspools of our beautiful blue-green ball of a planet, said warfighter may wonder if he deserves to go to Heaven. Jesus assures us that “blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 5:3). Allow me to expound; being “poor in spirit” means you are morally bankrupt, broken and you have nothing to boast about – and you realize it and you don’t like it. The emptiness felt from the killing and watching brothers and innocent people die can certainly make you reach for just about anything to fill that emptiness, especially after you ultimately leave the military when you know that there is nothing you can do now to attempt to redeem yourself from the self-perceived mistakes over which you continue to beating yourself up. This is actually GOOD news!
There was a soldier at Fort Bragg that literally drank himself to death. He had so much alcohol that evening that caused a seizure so violent, he beat himself to death – cracked his skull – on the floor during the seizure. Might not technically been reported as a suicide – no one knows what his intention was in that sense, but we certainly discern that he had a void in his life due to his service down range. An average of 22 service members a day commit suicide due to their experiences overseas and/or reintegration issues upon completion of their military service.
Being “poor in spirit” is NOTHING to feel ashamed of. Like I said, that emptiness is actually good news; you can fill yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ! When you have reached the end of that rope you’ve been holding onto with a death-grip, just let go and put your faith in Christ. He Himself said “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29). The same God who said “love one another” also said “Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight…” (Psalms 144:1); no matter what condition you feel yourself in, He still wants you to seek Him. There is no sin; there is no failure that Jesus cannot redeem. Just go to Him and receive Him. He is waiting for you.
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