Direction, focus, structure. These are some key reasons people join the military.
1) Uncle Sam Wants You!
The high school and college experience for them can sometimes equate to times of boredom, wastefulness, and a general lack of purpose. The military, therefore, becomes an outstanding option to find that purpose.
Ironically, vision does not define purpose, but a series of numbers and letters do define it! We affectionately call these letters and numbers Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes (AFSCs for the Air Force and in the Navy, ratings, designations, and a classification system). Since no one person can do every job, Military planners set up this organizational system to ensure the unity of the mission is accomplished by a diversity of individuals.
2) Running in Your “Lane”
Your MOS dictates training objectives and positions you in the right job at the right time and in the right place. It is a badge that you should wear with pride. Jesus also wants you to find your purpose. This Truth is found in letters and numbers (or chapter and verse of the Bible). In in a way, it is like having a Christian MOS.
The Christian “MOS” tells you that your job is to bear fruit (John 15).
Unless you were raised on a farm or had a garden, this concept may not hit home with you. The Bible uses terms such as “fruit”, “grain”, and “produce” because the original audience largely centered on agriculture. In our economy, we use terms like “results”, “success”, and “ratings” to communicate similar ideas. Jesus of course redefines these terms emphasizing spiritual impact and growth.
3) The Bible: Your SOP to a fulfilling Purpose
The Christian MOS describes results and success with ideas like the ability to have joy, good intentions, hope, and peace that can only come from active and daily engagement with Him. Just like a tree branch is dead weight without a life-sustaining connection to the tree, you are like a dead-man walking (or woman) without a vital connection to Jesus. You can do your job, raise your kids, participate in recreation, but all of it will be empty and ultimately unsuccessful without God.
The Christian MOS tells you how to maintain your purpose.
Just like a tree grows best when it receives pruning, God’s Word is the pruning tool to help you grow through challenges and difficult times. The Word judges your intentions and motives (Hebrews 4:12). It trains you to discern between good and evil (Hebrews 5:14). It even provides correction to you, so you may be equipped for good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Finally, the Christian MOS reminds you that you are part of a community with a Father who listens to you and loves you. He is more than a good First Sergeant, Commander, or Chief of the Boat, because He will listen to your gripes and complaints (Psalm 13, 73), and keeps track of every tear you shed (Psalm 56:8). He also willingly gave His Son to die in your place to ensure you have constant access to His love and acceptance.
Make a commitment today to reevaluate your purpose in light of what God has done, is doing, and will do through a life of purpose with Jesus.
