SHOULDER TO SHOULDER

December 13, 2025

Jason Bonnicksen

SHOULDER TO SHOULDER

365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 13

As I sit in the comfort of my family room with laptop in hand, I’m tuning in to the best college game in the land. It’s not a bowl game or the National Championship. It’s the only matchup where every competitor plays for something bigger than himself.

Today’s the 126 meeting of the Army-Navy game. It’s the rivalry of rivalries; yet one where each player cares more about a cause bigger than oneself. For 60 minutes, shoulder to shoulder, they hit, pound, smash and crash. But when the game is all done, shoulder to shoulder, they’ll serve together for the cause of freedom all over the world.

Now, I ain’t gonna lie. I’m cheering for Navy all the way. This sailor’s been screaming “GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY!” for 38 years. And while I maintain Navy MUST win the day; at the end of the game, no matter who prevails, they all win because they’re playing for more than a game. (That said, Navy is down 13-7 at the half. And to that I say, “C’mon Navy. You gotta do better than that! Fire them cannons and pound those grunts into the sand!” Of course, I say that in all in jest with big old smirk and grin).

In my congregation alone, we have a number of vets. A few of us were Navy. We have a couple of Marines, but most served valiantly wearing Army green. We’re separated by generations; yet together, we served a cause greater than ourselves. We all: a band of brothers, would do it all over again – standing shoulder-to-shoulder so that others could live.

That sentiment is shared by everyone who’s ever donned the uniform of the red, white, and blue. But long before our nation was formed, that value was instilled by the One who bled red for me and for you. (Why am I “rhyming today. IDK, LOL).

Some 1,700 years before our nation was formed, Jesus Christ gave his life for every soul on this world. In his mold, his brothers (and sisters) stood shoulder-to-shoulder to fight for peace in a cause greater than their own. They didn’t always agree, and sometimes went toe to toe; but at the end of the day, they served the cause of their Lord. To them, the Ap. Paul wrote these words:

As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-1, ESV.

I thank God for the early church, who stood shoulder-to-shoulder to battle for the souls of this world. They were brothers and sisters who gave their all so that we could live. In the same spirit, I am thankful for the cadets and midshipmen who’re playing in the 126^th meeting of America’s game. They’ve chosen to serve a cause greater than themselves: freedom for me, and freedom for you.

God, bless our nation and those who’ve served and serve us still. Give us, your servants and followers, the heart to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, so that others can know the Lord and be saved by his blood.

Share This :

• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
•