Report for Duty

John’s hand fell limply against the postcard that had just come in the mail. “War Department,” he read. There was no question; he was being called into military duty.
“Recruits, form a double line!”
“Only enlisted men on the train walkway!”
“Begin boarding!”
“God go with you, son,” were his father’s last words as he clasped John close. His mother’s tender embrace and tearful kiss tore his heart as he left his family to take his place in line.
World War I stirred intense patriotism. John Witmer soon found out that soldier boys didn’t have much patience … or mercy … with conscientious objectors. Though verbal and physical abuse took an awful toll, John’s heart was set to follow Christ’s example of nonresistance to evil, and God gave him grace to endure.
This true account reminds us of the cost of discipleship and challenges us to faithfulness.