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Parallels of Military & Christian Life

Nov. 12, 2024

Each Veterans Day, Friendship Christian School holds a recognition service to honor veterans connected to our school and from across the nation. In addition to Veterans Day tributes and traditions, students and military families heard a challenge from veteran Marine Sergeant Brian Pezzulo, father of two FCS students.

Sgt. Pezzulo said he struggled to find his identity until he joined the Marines. There, he found a bond of brotherhood, structure, and a deep sense of purpose after a difficult childhood and wild teen years. During his eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Sgt. Pezzulo held a high security clearance for embassy assignments and two tours with Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Eventually, he discovered that becoming a Marine was meaningful, but temporal. “The Lord used the Marine Corps to save me physically,” he said. “But the Marine Corps does not care about my soul. Yes, we learned ‘God, Country, Corps’…all good things…but they were training warriors, not Christians.”

Sgt. Pezzulo proudly tied his identity to being a Marine, but he lost his sense of self when he willingly stepped away after he became a husband and father. The foundation of his identity was rocked, and he struggled to take next steps.

At one of his lowest points, his wife prompted spiritual conversations about his eternity. Soon after, they began attending Friendship Baptist Church and he was saved by placing his faith in Christ alone.

“I was born again, and that moment, everything changed,” said Sgt. Pezzulo. “My identity wasn’t tied to a title, role, or earthly position. My true identity was as a child of God, saved by grace through faith in Jesus.”

He continued, “I found peace I’d never known before, a peace that anchored me no matter what changed around me. I understood that my worth didn’t come from a role, but as loved and redeemed by God. Christ has given me a security and strength that the world can’t take away.”

Sgt. Pezzulo shared six parallels of military life and life in Christ:

Shared identity and purpose.

Each individual is part of something larger than themselves. In the body of Christ, every believer has a shared identity as a child of God, with a common purpose to serve and glorify God in all we do. (Romans 12; Romans 8:28)

Commitment to sacrifice.

As a powerful expression of love and duty, believers are to put God’s will above our own and love others as Christ loved us. Jesus set the ultimate example of sacrifice. (John 15:13; Romans 5:8)

A unique bond, forged in shared experiences.

Like the military, Christians have a bond and responsibility to support one another through prayer, encouragement, and accountability. (Galatians 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Obedience to authority.

Like soldiers, Christians are called to submit to God’s authority and obey His commands. By following Christ, we find purpose, direction, and blessing. (James 4:7; Romans 13:1)

Preparing for battle.

Christians are called to spiritual battle, equipped and clothed in the armor of God. (Ephesians 6:11-12; 1 Peter 5:8-9)

Hope and assurance beyond this life.

Military service often brings awareness of life’s fragility, as many veterans face mortality up close. Believers understand the sacrifice of Jesus offers an eternal legacy, securing our place in Heaven forever. (John 10:27-29; Romans 8:38-39)

“In many ways, the sacrifices and brotherhood of military service reflect the calling and community of following Christ,” concluded Sgt. Pezzulo. 

“As we honor veterans today, let us also be reminded of our calling as soldiers for Christ, finding our identity in Him, and embracing the fellowship of the body of believers.”

In addition to leading pledges and tributes to personal family members, the FCS high school student leadership team presented the Presidential Proclamation, the flag folding ceremony, and the POW/MIA Remembrance Table. The high school choir sang the National Anthem, and the congregation joined together singing “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”

Military members and families then gathered at a reception following the recognition service. Friendship thanks all U.S. veterans for your loyalty, service, and sacrifice! 

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