These three men have all claimed to be Navy Seals but have never actually been Navy Seals. They have been exposed by websites such as Stolen Valor. So the question remains, "Why would they do such a thing?" Why would they lie so blatantly, often going to Ebay to purchase uniforms and medals? Ultimately, it's a longing for identity and worth. It's a desire to be prove oneself to the world.
But oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive. Sometimes it might be nothing more than a conversation with a few people claiming to have fought in a war. Then the lies get more elaborate. Then it's, "I was a Navy Seal." It really doesn't take much, but everything rests in the desire for value.
This isn't merely a military thing, it's a human thing. When I was younger, my parents' church ended up firing their pastor because they came to realize he falsely claimed he had a theological degree. But after some investigation, it came to light that he never went to seminary. Not that going to seminary is the end all for a pastor, but to lie about it undermines his very calling. Again, why would someone do this? Sure, there could be some financial advantages. But ultimately, these people want to prove they matter, that they are worth the attention. They want the accolades of an admiring world.
I think it is quite easy to look at such people and scoff. But really, their false identities are at the heart no different than everyone else. Everyone wants to be loved and cherished. Everyone wants to belong and matter. But herein lies the problem. Their desire to belong leads them to falsehood, to the point where they go through elaborate scheming and expensive purchases, all to keep up the facade. How many times do we put up a facade? You don't do such things?
Have you ever cleaned your house before a guest comes by shoving everything into the desk or closet? Have you ever told a white lie about your accomplishments, perhaps slightly exaggerating your achievements? Have you ever claimed to have been accepted into certain colleges, even though this was untrue? It doesn't take much to fall into the false identity trap.
Christians though are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). We have been purchased by the blood of the Lamb. And we have a new identity in Christ, granted His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). We are sons and daughters of the King (Galatians 4:4-7). We don't have to put up a false identity. We are secure in the one we have that declares our royalty as God's children for all eternity. Why should we ever settle for such tomfoolery ? We simply do not understand how wondrous our identity is in Christ.
When I look at these men, I feel sorry for them. I wish they knew Jesus and then they can take off their fallacious uniforms and allow the Savior to clothe them with His robe of righteousness. And as great it is to wear the Navy Seal trident, it's nothing but a cheap trinket compared to the clothing of righteousness that was purchased by Jesus' great love.
But oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive. Sometimes it might be nothing more than a conversation with a few people claiming to have fought in a war. Then the lies get more elaborate. Then it's, "I was a Navy Seal." It really doesn't take much, but everything rests in the desire for value.
This isn't merely a military thing, it's a human thing. When I was younger, my parents' church ended up firing their pastor because they came to realize he falsely claimed he had a theological degree. But after some investigation, it came to light that he never went to seminary. Not that going to seminary is the end all for a pastor, but to lie about it undermines his very calling. Again, why would someone do this? Sure, there could be some financial advantages. But ultimately, these people want to prove they matter, that they are worth the attention. They want the accolades of an admiring world.
I think it is quite easy to look at such people and scoff. But really, their false identities are at the heart no different than everyone else. Everyone wants to be loved and cherished. Everyone wants to belong and matter. But herein lies the problem. Their desire to belong leads them to falsehood, to the point where they go through elaborate scheming and expensive purchases, all to keep up the facade. How many times do we put up a facade? You don't do such things?
Have you ever cleaned your house before a guest comes by shoving everything into the desk or closet? Have you ever told a white lie about your accomplishments, perhaps slightly exaggerating your achievements? Have you ever claimed to have been accepted into certain colleges, even though this was untrue? It doesn't take much to fall into the false identity trap.
Christians though are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). We have been purchased by the blood of the Lamb. And we have a new identity in Christ, granted His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). We are sons and daughters of the King (Galatians 4:4-7). We don't have to put up a false identity. We are secure in the one we have that declares our royalty as God's children for all eternity. Why should we ever settle for such tomfoolery ? We simply do not understand how wondrous our identity is in Christ.
When I look at these men, I feel sorry for them. I wish they knew Jesus and then they can take off their fallacious uniforms and allow the Savior to clothe them with His robe of righteousness. And as great it is to wear the Navy Seal trident, it's nothing but a cheap trinket compared to the clothing of righteousness that was purchased by Jesus' great love.