Personal Dedication

Some years ago I was told of a young Jewish man from the United States who decided to go to Israel and live. After working there for two years he was required either to serve in the army for a given period of time or to return home. He decided to join the army. His father was a good friend of an Israeli general, who at first was afraid the young man would use that friendship to secure an easy, safe assignment. Instead, he went to the general and said, "My present duty is too easy. I want to be in the finest, most strategic, diligent, and difficult regiment in the Israeli army." Commenting on the spirit of dedication, the general said, "People think Israelis are so successful at war because we are a super people or that we have super intellect or super strength. But our success is not built on any of those things; it is built on commitment, unreserved and sacrificial commitment."

-Sermons Illustrated November/December 1988