"SEMPER FIDELIS"

     Surfing through the net in search of articles and materials on the US Marine Corps, two words pervaded almost every webpage I came across: “semper fidelis”. This Latin phrase means “always faithful”. I have always been an admirer of the US Marines; such unstinting patriotism, expertise and absolute commitment has been the hallmark of this institution. Audaciously, I dream the Nigerian Army will acquire such a reputation; when? I know not.

       The US Marines is a Brotherhood, a team of thoroughly trained and selected breed of individuals who defend and protect the sovereignty, peace and survival of the United States. They’ve sworn to be “always faithful” to the course of their nation, to risk life and limb to defend the citizens and if they can’t they will die trying. Now, these resolve to be faithful is made with full knowledge of the dangers that will present themselves; the pitfalls that are littered all around and opportunities that will make them not to be faithful. Little wonder the US Marines have displayed gallantry in the face of imminent death and have managed to come out on top in hopeless situations.” Always faithful”.

       Isn’t that true about the Christian faith, to be always faithful? Daily we are presented with numerous occasions to be unfaithful, to let our guards down, to take a break and to cower in the face of real danger. The call is for us to always be faithful in the things that are true, in the things that are worthy of praise, in things that are lovely, to hold tightly to what we know is right. Recounting the scenes from the movie “Battle of Los Angeles”, I scribbled these words:

     

“I feel like serving in the US Marines. Their motto (semper fidelis) just makes me wonder.  I think we must learn from them; to be ALWAYS FAITHFUL in our words, in the things we know are good, in upholding the tenets of integrity, discipline, self-sacrifice. Yes, to be always faithful in being faithful”.

The words of Paul succinctly and aptly lay credence to the above statement:

“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him”. (2 timothy 2:3-4ESV).

We are all in this battle together, in the fight of our lives and victory is assured. The battle rages on and we must always faithful in being faithful. Retreat! Hell!