Christ - The ReeseSource November 2010

Several years ago, I had the privilege of visiting The Marine Corps Training Depot at Parris island, South Carolina with the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce Honorary Commander’s program. Honorary Commanders is a program designed to familiarize members of the community with the military units in the area.

Upon arrival from the airfield, we boarded a bus to the Recruit Depot. We pulled up in front of the Depot and were boarded by a Marine Drill Instructor who ordered us to be quiet, file out of the bus and assemble on the “golden footprints” There was some giggling and smiles until the Drill Sergeant yelled at us to knock it off. As soon as we assembled properly, we were marched into the Depot. They wanted to give us a small taste of what it was like to be a “raw recruit” just arriving. The difference, they explained, was that all the recruits were held at the arrival point in town until 2:00 a.m. and then taken to the Depot!

Thus began the first day in the process of becoming a Marine, culminating in what is known as the “Crucible”. This 54 hour event occurring near the end of recruit training features little sleep, little food, over 40 miles of forced marches and 32 stations that test physical toughness and mental agility. It is designed to build self-confidence, teamwork, trust in fellow Marines, and positive peer pressure and emphasizes the core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. At the end of this grueling ordeal, those who completed the entire program were awarded the “Eagle, Globe, and Anchor” which signified their becoming a Marine. I saw a 6’4’, 250 pound recruit openly weeping with pride as he received his pin.

The entire process of training the recruit is said to “tear him down to build him up”. It is designed to teach a new way of thinking and responding. In the instance of the Marine training, it takes an individual and molds him into a part of an elite war-fighting unit. The recruit learns to unquestionably obey orders from a superior.

The idea of breaking down to build up is not unique to the Marine Corps. Psalm 51 :17 says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart , O God, you will not despise.” In John 15:1,2 Jesus says,” I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that he will be even more fruitful.” This pruning process can be very painful, believe me, I know.

Some of us are very prideful. We often cannot see the forest for the trees when it comes to our own shortcomings. We hear about them from people who care about us but our pride causes us to refuse to hear the truth. We fold our arms across our chests, turn our heads, and absolutely refuse to admit that we could be the problem. It is always someone else’s fault for the way we behave. We are defensive. This was my modus operandi for many years until God used some dear people and some very painful experiences to capture my attention. God used this time to break me. I hated going through it but I am so very thankful that He loved me enough to prune me. Please understand that I am not saying that I have it altogether now, I do not. Ask anyone who is around me for any length of time. But I do know this. I am not where I used to be.


Let me ask you this:

Has a friend or loved one shown you areas of your life that need to be pruned but your pride stands in the way of this happening in order to produce greater fruit in your life? Let me repeat, for emphasis, God’s Word.

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” God says, “Can you hear me now?”


MINISTRY NEWS:

There have been numerous opportunities for ministry to men and their families.

The continuing ministry to the Friday Morning Group has been most encouraging. We are now studying a book Tim Keller called “The Reason For God”. The discussions have been very challenging and thought provoking.

As of the date of this writing, donations are down 30%. We have been able to cut expenses by 26%, half of which is unpaid salary, now four months and one half months behind.