"If nothing but fear of punishments were depended upon to hold men to the line during extreme trial, the result would be wholesale mutiny and a situation altogether beyond the control of leadership. So it must be true that it is out of the impact of ideals mainly that men develop the strength to face situations from which it would be normal to run away." -- The Armed Forces Officer, U.S. Department of Defense (1950)
The fear of punishment can accomplish a great deal of obedience, but it cannot hold a man in the line of duty. At some point, the immediate fear of being punished by the enemy eclipses the fear of being punished by the General.
Something greater than fear is required to hold a man in his position.
1 John 4:17-18
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Love leads a man to stand, even in the face of divine judgment. Love holds the line. It stays where it is placed because of the love of the One who placed them there.
Fear imagines that fleeing will be safer than fighting.
Love cannot imagine not fighting.
Faith fights where fear fails.
Love stays true where fear is fickle.
Faith holds the line where fear drops the ball.
Love rises up where fear falls short.
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