Walking Worthily

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,[10] so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.  ~ Col. 1:9-10 (ESV)

            This month we observe the holiday of President’s Day.  For many, it is just another day unless you are in school or work for the government in one way or another.  If so, you also get the day off.  President’s Day is a holiday set aside to honor the great men who have led our country in various ways throughout her history.  We especially recall men like Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Kennedy, and Reagan, great presidents who have seen our country through tumultuous times.  As we think about the various presidents and the office of president itself, there are many characteristics of those men, and the office that people of our country and citizens of the world have come to expect to see.  Presidents are to have a positive attitude, working diligently to overcome obstacles with ease and composure.  There is a certain amount of honor and respect that is due to the president, no matter what you may think of him or what he has done.  And of course, as it goes with any position of leadership, with great power comes great responsibility not only to one’s self, but to those entrusted to their care.  However, these are qualities that are earned through hard work, devotion, and commitment to the task to which our presidents have been called.

            In a similar vein, we in the fire service have a great responsibility to those entrusted to our care here in Sayville.  Through hard work, devotion to our purpose and to each other, and commitment to the tasks to which we have been called, we serve our neighbors and surrounding communities by providing safety before there is danger, and protection of life and property when danger arises.  We are called to be composed and well tempered, have a positive attitude, and to work quickly to resolve the scenes to which we are called.  When we put on our bunker gear, when we don the Class A uniform for a parade, or when we wear our SFD gear around town, there is a certain amount of respect and honor that is given to us because of our dedication and willingness to serve.  But like the presidential office, that is not something to take lightly, but it is something to be continually earned.

            Therefore, we are also called constantly to be aware of our actions, to be aware of our interaction with the community, and to be conscience of the perception we give to those who we are given to protect.  We are called to continually walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been brought, fully pleasing God in all we say and do, and pleasing those around us.  In this way, the honor and respect of our community is certainly worthy and due.  Participation in the fire service is a proud tradition, and it is an honorable thing.  May it continue to give you a sense of pride, and may your work in the community continue to a blessing to those whom you serve!

~ Chaplain Brian Noack