Trading Up

Trading Up

God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Romans 5:8

One night, at the front gate of a large military base in south Texas, a marine private was standing his first guard-duty assignment. Rain was falling gently. It was cold, and the wind was beginning to pick up as a storm moved closer. Still, the new private stood his post staunchly, as a proud marine should.

Presently a two-star general stepped out of his house on base to take his dog for a walk. The nervous young private, wanting to make a good impression, snapped to attention, made a perfect salute, and cried out, “Sir, good evening, sir!”

The general, out for some relaxation, returned the salute and said casually, “Good evening, soldier. Nice night, isn’t it?”

It was hardly a nice night, but the private was not about to disagree with a two-star general, so he saluted again and replied, “Sir, yes sir!”

The general walked slowly about with his dog and continued talking to the private. “You know, there’s something about a stormy night that I find soothing. It’s all really relaxing, don’t you agree?”

The private did not agree, but then the private was just a private, so he responded, “Sir, yes sir!”

Indicating the big, friendly dog, the general said, “This is a golden retriever, the best type of dog to train.”

The private glanced at the dog, saluted yet again, and said, “Sir, yes sir!”

The general smiled at the private’s obvious desire to please him and continued by saying, “I got this dog for my wife.”

The private responded, “Good trade, sir!”

O Lord, because of you we have been allowed to “trade up.” We have traded our sinful ways for a life of joy and hope through you. Thank you for giving us that chance. We love you, Lord. Amen.