On average the servicemen who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier spend about 8 hours to prepare for duty. Their uniform must be meticulously prepared. A logical question that someone might ask of the soldiers who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Solider is why they do all they do to guard a tomb that only ‌sightseers‍ will visit. Why go through such rigorous training? Why stand their post at a grave in snow storms and rain, in the blistering heat of summer and the freezing cold of winter? They fulfill this tedious and daily demanding task without wavering. WHY? What motivates these soldiers to do such a task? I imagine that for some it is the challenge of doing something few men are able to do that draws them to it. For others it may be the honor, pride, and tradition that goes with being a guard at such a sacred memorial. But over all I am sure that in each soldier there is a love for their country and appreciation for those who died in service to our country. It is their duty as a soldier to fulfill their obligation and responsibility that has been entrusted to them. Why? Because this is their duty, they have been ordered to stand this watch. Duty demands it!
What is it that motivates you and me to live our lives worthy of the Lord? Why face the challenges of being a follower of Jesus? Why choose the narrow and difficult path of obedience over the wide and easy path of sin? Just how far will we go to fulfill the obligation and responsibilities that have been entrusted to each of us? What preparation do we put into our life of service to God? Are you standing your watch today, even in the turbulent times of life? Can we say without wavering that we are fulfilling our duty and faithfully obeying our Commander and Chief? Why do Christians stand their post? Why because we love our Lord and because ‌duty demands it.‍