Priorities Prevail
August 20, 2003

I remember years ago reading a section in the Readers Digest called "My Most Unforgettable Character." These unforgettable characters struck home in the memory of each storyteller in a unique manner. And so it's true for me as well. Let me tell you about my latest unforgettable character.

This past Monday morning, my friend and fellow Navy chaplain, Hal Scott, hosted a Prayer Breakfast in the chow hall. He asked me if I would be the MC for this event, for which I was more than happy to oblige. Hal and I serve in separate commands, so we have different commanding officers. I am part of Marcent (Marine Central Command) and report to a Marine colonel who is responsible for this base. Hal, on the other hand, is part of CJTF-HOA (Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa) and reports to a one star general. It is this general who was the guest speaker at the Prayer Breakfast.

Since arriving here in Africa a month ago, I've been very impressed by General Mastin Robeson, Commanding General, CJTF-HOA. Obviously he has excellent leadership skills or he would not be a general of Marines. He also has the requisite dynamic command presence so often seen in flag officers, not to mention two of the most piercing blue eyes you'll ever see. So why is this man my most unforgettable character? I'm glad you asked.

General Robeson is one of those unique individuals who have successfully managed to "walk the talk" as a Christian. He not only professes a saving faith in Christ; being a Christian is who he is. And he'll gladly tell you. I've heard him speak several times and he always shares what he has established as his priorities in life. See if you aren't challenged by this general's philosophy of life, taken from his published Leadership Philosophy found tacked up around the base.

"My Personal Priorities. There are three priorities in my life. You need to know them in order to understand some of the decisions I will make.

• First - God
• Second - Family
• Third - Service to Country

All of us (and our families) make sacrifices in order to wear this uniform, but I expect each of you to have priorities that are more important than your profession. My rationale is simple. God is an eternal commitment; my family is a lifetime commitment; and my service to country (though very dear to me) is limited in the number of years I can serve. I will never make a decision that jeopardizes my faith or my family in order to further my military career, nor should you."

Further, General Robeson states that to win on the battlefield, we must be physically, mentally, and spiritually fit. This is what he says about spiritual fitness. "When bullets start flying, the spiritual welfare of your warriors will be as important as any. I ask that every member of this command be offered a worship opportunity weekly, and be encouraged to attend. As such, I ask that training not be scheduled on Sunday mornings."

General Robeson shared these priorities and his testimony Monday morning and left no doubt about what he considers most important in life. He spoke of sitting on his mother's lap as a four-year-old, listening to her read to him from the Bible, and being convicted by God's Word. At such a tender age he made his choice to follow Christ.

And the general walks the talk. He teaches a Bible study on Wednesday nights, which is very well attended I might add. Not just because he's the general — that will certainly draw some in the command — but because it's a dynamic and in-depth study! He has done his homework! I have his notes, which he freely shares in handouts. It would put many of us in the ministry to shame. He also attends Sunday morning services and sits in the front row just to my left when I'm preaching. Those piercing blue eyes? No pressure!

As a matter of habit he interacts with the men and women in uniform on this base. When he goes to the chow hall for his meals, he doesn't escape to a special seating area just for generals. No, instead he walks around visiting with marines, sailors, airmen, and soldiers before he eats his own meal.

So, let me ask you. Those of you who served in the military some time in the past, wouldn't you liked to have served in his command? And you moms, dads and spouses who have a loved one in the military: wouldn't it be of greater comfort to you knowing this man was the leader of their command?

In such a short time, this godly man has made a lasting impression on me. Please, won't you pray for him? And be sure to thank God for raising up such a man to lead our troops.

By the way, what are your priorities in life?