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Semper Fi
by Dale Linton The Marine motto "Semper Fi" contains the meaning and the words that offer three illustrations which outline the biblical meaning of faith. Semper Fi is short for Semper Fidelis, meaning Always Faithful. This Latin phrase carries of course, the word fidelity meaning faith. Always faithful speaks of those who become Marines, as always being Marines; once a Marine always a Marine. Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. The word fidelity was used to advertise and name some of the first phonographs. These early machines were said to have "high fidelity". So common was this advertisement ,that phonographs were referred to as a "Hi Fi". The claim the manufacture was making was that their phonograph could accurately reproduce the sound heard in the recording studio. The biblical word fidelity, or faith, is describing the power God offers us to accurately hear Him and to demonstrate His ability to have us in His presence . This reality within our spiritual capability parallels the phonograghs claim. Again, that hearing this machine was as if one were hearing the artist live, or being present in the recording studio. Remember..is it live or is it Memorex? 1Corinthians 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: The word infidelity is most commonly used to describe one who fails to be loyal within a marriage. This failure in loyalty is termed, being unfaithful. Here is where semper fi reveals a foundational truth that goes far to explain the reason for infidelity. The model in the Ephesian and the Corinthian verses has us becoming more and more unified with the Lord through "the faith". The foundational strength in remaining faithful in any relationship is in continuing to "hear" the other the same way it formed in the relationships beginning. The focus in the aspect of hearing, is to remain on the same page, or to continue to strive to play the same music. Semper fi is making the claim that once a Marine, they will always be within the sound of ideologically hearing that they are still Marines. The power created in this type of unity is described by God here in Ephesians as "unity of the faith". The real description of being unfaithful isn't in the act of cheating, as much as it is in the act of slipping off the same sheet of music with one that we were once ideologically unified. We were semper fi , as the Lord is with His children. Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. The final illustration is in a labeling that has been levied on the Western culture. Most of us are all to aware of this accusation and recognize the title "infidels". An infidel would be one who has no connection to God; no relationship, no unity and no ability to hear Gods voice of instruction. This inability to receive and experience fidelity from God incorporates a complete failure to have any relational aid. The consequence is that of being rendered spiritually deaf and spiritually dumb, or an infidel. I have a desire to see the body of Christ edified. Within the broad spectrum of edification I feel there exists a great need and opportunity for spiritual education at foundational levels. Please contact me about speaking at your church. Dale Linton 410-378-5035 or [email protected] Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |