George Washington is credited with creating the order of the Purple Heart. It was actually called the Badge of Merit and was made in the form of a purple heart. Only enlisted men were eligible to receive it. The award ended with the Revolution.
But the idea never died. Finally on May 28, 1932, the Purple Heart we are now familiar with was first awarded. It has been awarded since to all who were "wounded, killed, or died after being wounded" in battle.
I remember people, including soldiers who received it, belittling the Purple Heart. "All I did was get shot. What's so brave about that?"
Here's what: You were brave enough to put yourself in the line of fire. You were brave enough to risk your life.
What if we gave Purple Hearts in the Lord's kingdom? Who should get them?
The preacher who dares to preach the unvarnished Truth to the church that pays his salary.
The teenage Christian who dares to say, "No," in the face of constant peer pressure.
The secretary who refuses to lie for her boss and risks losing her job.
The Christian who doesn't shrink back into a corner when a certain subject comes up.
The brother or sister who risks losing the goodwill of one who needs correction—not to mention his reputation with the church who takes up for the sinner.
The one who risks being kicked out of the family by obeying the gospel.
I am sure you can come up with others, and I invite you to do so in the comment section below. But here is something for you to consider. Sooner or later, every disciple of the wounded Savior ought to have a few Purple Hearts of his own. How many do you have?
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. (1Pet 4:14-16)
Dene Ward
But the idea never died. Finally on May 28, 1932, the Purple Heart we are now familiar with was first awarded. It has been awarded since to all who were "wounded, killed, or died after being wounded" in battle.
I remember people, including soldiers who received it, belittling the Purple Heart. "All I did was get shot. What's so brave about that?"
Here's what: You were brave enough to put yourself in the line of fire. You were brave enough to risk your life.
What if we gave Purple Hearts in the Lord's kingdom? Who should get them?
The preacher who dares to preach the unvarnished Truth to the church that pays his salary.
The teenage Christian who dares to say, "No," in the face of constant peer pressure.
The secretary who refuses to lie for her boss and risks losing her job.
The Christian who doesn't shrink back into a corner when a certain subject comes up.
The brother or sister who risks losing the goodwill of one who needs correction—not to mention his reputation with the church who takes up for the sinner.
The one who risks being kicked out of the family by obeying the gospel.
I am sure you can come up with others, and I invite you to do so in the comment section below. But here is something for you to consider. Sooner or later, every disciple of the wounded Savior ought to have a few Purple Hearts of his own. How many do you have?
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. (1Pet 4:14-16)
Dene Ward
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