Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. – Psalm 107:2
In my first day in the army, I saw soldiers, soldiers, and more soldiers. All were in uniform, and from all appearances, all were identical. I was thrilled to be one of them, a soldier in the United States Army. Yet, I knew there was at least one difference; I was also a Christian. When would I let this be known? I knew that this fact could invite ridicule and perhaps even persecution.
As life went on, aside from bowing my head and thanking the Lord when I ate my meals or walking away when a dirty joke was being told and similar things, the subject never really came up. Still, the difference was noted.
Although it has been more than fifty years ago, I remember vividly an incident that happened one payday. All of the guys were full of anticipation. Plans for the weekend were being made. After our Friday duties were done, most of the men headed for the showers and got all spruced up. Then a couple of them noticed that I was sitting on my bunk writing a letter. They felt sorry for me and encouraged me to go with them. I told them no and that I expected to have a really great weekend. I did just that; first I had a great night’s sleep. Man, was that barracks quiet! Then on Saturday, I went shopping—paydays don’t have to mean a night on the town. On Sunday, I went into town and attended a church service. Of course I would have rather been in my home church, but that would come soon.
Then it was Sunday evening. The guys came back to the barracks and they did not look like the same group. Their eyes were downcast and their uniforms hardly looked like uniforms. Some were still quite intoxicated, few were happy. One came by my bunk and told me he wish he had stayed with me.
Several commented that I had chosen the better part. I don’t know if any of them changed their lifestyle, but I know they recognized that being a Christian had some real advantages.
Whenever you find yourself in a new situation or environment, let it be known that you are a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. As the verses say, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” And “saying so” may be more than words!