The motto "These Things We Do, That Others May Live" belongs to the United States Air Force Pararescue division. The motto is officially recognized as the cornerstone of their Pararescue creed, emphasizing self-sacrifice and saving lives.
Better known, the Navy Air Rescue Swimmers, also has a similar creed, albeit shortened: This group uses "So Others May Live" to define their role in dangerous, high-stakes rescue missions.
This phrase has become synonymous with rescue, dedication, and life-saving operations within these specific U.S. military specialties. How applicable!!
Considering the assignment we have been given as Christians, the same phrase could carry even more weight, with even more eternal implications when viewing this statement through another set of lenses.
What if our motto as Christians was the same? So that others may live... Would that not fit the task that we have been assigned almost perfectly? Meaning that our calling is to help people find and live life to the fullest, both before and after the transition of death and dying. To give them a chance at real life, not just this short practice and preparatory round here on earth.
Do we not know all too well the dangerous, high-stakes mission in which we have been called? If this phrase is truly synonymous with rescue, dedication, and life-saving operations, would this not be most well utilized for the Christian faith, in creating disciples of all nations? Saving Souls? Offering deliverance? Ensuring God's children have the chance at life beyond death?
The very notion of this gives me chills... this is exactly our calling! We do this, so that others may live. And live life abundantly, without regret, without fear, with hope and purpose. Make no mistake, we are at war! And the role that we have assumed as believers is exactly this, which literally couldn't be summarized any better.
When I die, standing before the God of all creation, the rightful judge of all judges, could I be convicted of being a Christian? Would this be a slam dunk case? Would it be obvious that my life had been dedicated to the One who created me?
These are questions that I should not struggle to find the answers to. These truths should be obvious to us both.
Knowing this in advance, I realize that I should be living my life in a way that exposes the truth, that offers answers and hope, that defines the purpose of life itself. To do any differently would be a direct betrayal of my very calling in life. The disciples didn't live a life of self preservation, their journey was one of self sacrifice, so that others may also live.
And the movement that they supported solidified itself in history as the single most important thing to ever have, or ever will, happen. Because of the cross, we have a chance at life. We were bought, at a price. The ransom was paid. We were undeservingly redeemed. All that we had to do was accept the gift and share it with others, so that they also may live.
What a glorious creed! What a purposeful cause! So that others may live...
Could there be any higher calling?
~ Devin
Devin Osborne