“To the distinguished Character of Patriot, it should be our highest Glory to add the more distinguished Character of Christian.”1 — George Washington, General Orders, May 2, 1778
On May 2, 1778, George Washington issued orders to the Continental Army at Valley Forge. He directed soldiers to attend Sunday worship, and he expected officers to set an example. He warned against conduct that might offend God, and he urged the men to fulfill their duties as Christians and as soldiers.1 This was an army at war, yet Washington prioritized worship, discipline, and moral duty.
Washington’s words do not answer every question about his private beliefs, but they do show what he publicly asked of his troops. He believed service to his country carried duties beyond the battlefield. As Christians today, do we also realize that we are in battle, and that our duties permeate life?
On Veterans Day, we rightly honor men and women who accepted risk and sacrifice in military service. Their example reminds us that conviction has a cost. Are we as willing to defend truth as we are to praise those who defend our freedom?
Soldiers train before danger comes. They learn their mission, study the threats, and depend on one another. A person who waits to prepare until the battle starts is already behind.
Christians also need preparation and training. Scripture describes a spiritual struggle. According to Ephesians 6:12, “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, [and] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” From these sources of evil come arguments that stand against the knowledge of God. Second Corinthians 10:4–5 calls us to combat them with the weapons of truth, prayer, sound reasoning, and conduct that fits our claims.
Our task includes defending the Bible’s account of creation. Genesis teaches that God made the world and that He made humans in His image. It also tells us why sin is destructive and why we need redemption. Christians must be ready to explain why we trust the Bible (1 Peter 3:15).
The work of the scientists at ICR helps Christians study evidence and defend the biblical account of creation.2 To present a strong argument, we should ask what an experiment measures, what a model assumes, and what the evidence can support. We must not confuse an inference about the past with direct observation, nor should we dismiss a sound finding because we dislike someone’s interpretation.
In an earlier Veterans Day article, I urged Christians to “move toward the enemy” in the fight for truth.3 That call was about facing hard questions, not attacking people. We should listen long enough to understand an objection, test our own answers, and admit when we do not know. A soldier’s courage without discipline can do harm. So can a Christian’s zeal without honesty.
Washington asked his troops to show patriotism with Christian character. This Veterans Day, we can honor those who served and accept a duty of our own: know Scripture, examine the evidence, and speak the truth with care.
References
- Lengel, E. G., ed. 2006. The Papers of George Washington, May–June 1778, vol. 15. Charlottesville, VA: University of Virginia Press, 13.
- Morris III, H. M. 2009. Discovering and Defending the Certainties of Creation. Acts & Facts. 38 (6): 8.
- Corrado, J. K. Move Toward the Enemy: Fighting for Truth in Science. Creation Science Update. Posted on ICR.org November 10, 2022.
* Dr. Corrado earned a Ph.D. in systems engineering from Colorado State University and a Th.M. from Liberty University. He is a freelance contributor to ICR’s Creation Science Update, works in the nuclear industry, and is a Captain in the U.S. Naval Reserve.
