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Pledge of Allegiance: What We Can Learn from Pat Tillman

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CBN.com - In a widely reported story, former Arizona Cardinals safety Pat Tillman was killed Thursday night in a firefight while on patrol in eastern Afghanistan. Specifically, after coming under fire, the 27 year old sergeant and the rest of his combat patrol got out of their vehicle to chase their attackers. The firefight lasted approximately 20 minutes. When the smoke cleared, the man who chose duty over fame lay dead. He is the first NFL player to die in combat since former Buffalo Bills lineman Bob Kalsu perished in Vietnam in 1970.

The stories surrounding Tillman's life will undoubtedly become legendary in years to come. He will be remembered as the five year old thrill seeker who wrapped his arms tightly around a tree in a powerful windstorm just to see what it felt like. Or the guy who used to ride an old bicycle to Cardinals football practice while his teammates arrived in the latest and greatest luxury cars. He perplexed his agents by declining a salary-doubling free agent contract offer with the St. Louis Rams out of loyalty to the Cardinals. But most importantly, Tillman will be remembered as a valiant American who spurned a $3.6 million dollar contract with Arizona for $18,000 per year with the Army Rangers. For you see, Pat Tillman was a true patriot.

Despite his success in professional football, Tillman was not your typical athlete. An undersized, overachieving linebacker at Arizona State, the 5-11, 200 pound California native was known as much for his intelligence as he was for aggressive, hard hitting play. Graduating summa cum laude in just three and half years with a marketing degree, he never needed an academic counselor as the majority of college athletes do. Drafted by the Cardinals in the seventh round of the 1998 draft, Tillman converted from linebacker to safety due to his smallish physical stature. However, many believed he could have been successful at linebacker because of his tenacious, sometimes ferocious play. The transition proved effective as he broke the franchise record for tackles in 2000 with 223.

It was this confluence of determination, athleticism, intelligence, and the ability to overachieve that undoubtedly played a role in his decision to walk away from professional football to the confusion of many. Initially thought to be a publicity stunt, Tillman did absolutely nothing to promote that possibility. There were no press conferences, interviews, or book deals. Just a heart to heart talk with then coach Dave McGinnis informing him of his decision to enlist. That was the last we heard from Tillman until last Friday morning.

When I first heard the news of his death, I pulled out a piece of paper and scribbled down four words as I reflected on what his life had meant to me. I did not know Pat Tillman nor did I ever cover him as a player. Nonetheless, he was a very influential person to me for what he represented. The words I jotted down -- sacrifice, higher calling, selflessness, and hero, have surfaced hundreds of times in print and on television the last few days as former teammates, coaches, and friends remember him.

It is apparent these qualities hold a high degree of merit in the eyes of these people. Obviously, the nation feels the same way as a quick scan of internet message boards dedicated to remembering Tillman reflect these same sentiments. Contrary to the perceived decay of societal values, sacrifice, selflessness, and a higher calling still ring true across the land.

In an age where a professional athlete is considered to be selfless and sacrificial because he is willing to switch positions for the good of the team, Tillman's life far transcended that. Inspired by the events of September 11th, he chose to live the remainder of his life at the edges, sacrificing a lucrative career and an unlimited future to make this country a safer and better place to live.

Sadly, there has been a small undercurrent of lament regarding the fanfare being awarded Tillman as hundreds of other faceless servicemen have died fighting the same battle in recent months. In my opinion, Tillman has given a face to all those who have fought and died in a foreign land, all in the name of patriotic sacrifice. He serves as an important reminder to us all that there are so many other heroes just like him coming home wrapped in tears of sorrow and grief. We must not forget that.

Pat Tillman was a man who lived his life based on instinct. It was this innate sense of purpose that led to such great success on the football field but ultimately his demise. What I find most compelling about his life is that he gave up everything for the love of his country. He demonstrated a complete absence of self, putting what he perceived to be the needs others ahead of his own. Tillman lived the remainder of his days to serve. For that, he should be a role model to us all.

Christians, how many of you are willing to give up everything for your love of God? How many of you are willing to live a life of sacrifice and selflessness? Are you willing to step forward and serve the living God in a manner that is pleasing to Him?

In Jesus says, "Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be a slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

Developing the servant attitude that Jesus speaks of requires a great deal of sacrifice, endurance, even longsuffering. Others may not appreciate what we are doing and may even view it as a ploy to gain attention. It is safe to say that rejection by others could be a deterrent in our desire to serve. Unfortunately, our motives can be misinterpreted, causing others to view our self-sacrifice as the service of self. Regardless, as Christians we need to keep on giving of ourselves and continually be asking Him for opportunities to serve. In this passage, Jesus promises true greatness through servant-like behavior.*

In coming days, as you hear more and more about the selflessness and incredible sacrifice that Pat Tillman has made for his country, consider how you might better serve our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But just don't think about it. Act on it.

 

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* Material from The Transformer, study Bible used in this article.

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