Stolen Valor
Much has been written in recent times about Stolen Valor. The term has been around for a long time,
and, I’m told, was even introduced by President George Washington. Stolen valor has to do with
someone pretending to be a military hero, or even going to the extent of wearing military honors. That
is a very general description of the dishonest and deceitful act. It generally has to do with someone
claiming to have been involved as some “Special Ops” soldier, and most often, the claim to have been a
Navy Seal. There is actually a current law that forbids such false claims; in fact, the law makes the
violation and commitment of this crime punishable by imprisonment. In 2006 President George W. Bush
signed into law the “Stolen Valor Act”. In specific wording it forbids “The unauthorized wearing,
manufacturing or selling of Military Decorations and Medals.” Stolen Valor – taking away the honor from
those who rightly deserve it, has become a national problem and embarrassment. Recent headlines
were made when a pastor in Newville, Pennsylvania was found out to be fraudulent about his claims to
have been a Navy Seal. Reverend Jim Moats had told his family and congregation for years that he had
been a Navy Seal, and had shared several harrowing exploits with them. He was lying. He never had
been. He had gone so far as to actually wear a military medal one time. Pastor Moats isn’t the only
pastor to have committed Stolen Valor. We have dear friends, who are godly servants of Christ. The wife
has a brother who for years has lied and said he was also a Navy Seal, he too, has just recently been
found out. A few years back Joseph Cryer was caught in his lying, after boasting of having “77 personal
kills” as a Navy Seal, it was all found to be fictitious.
The amazing thing is that the “Stolen Valor Act” is being contested in the courts. It really is! The claim is;
“Is lying protected by the constitution as free speech”? The Stolen Valor Act is close to being overturned
in some states. Okay, enough of that, why bring it up? Because it does cause us to wonder sometimes if
acts of “Stolen Valor” are committed among believers. Are there times when a man or woman may
either boast, or allow claim and credit to go towards them – which they never earned? Are some of our
heroes, even small local ones, claiming victories and acts of courage and honor they never experienced
or engaged in? I’m not talking about Military Battles; I’m talking about Spiritual Battles. Notice I’m using
the idea of “others”. Makes it safer that way! When I first came into the ministry, I read this poem, and
have kept it ever since:
Hast thou no scar? No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand? I hear thee sung as mighty in the land, I hear
them hail thy bright ascending star; hast thou no scar?
I have a feeling that when we get to heaven we will be surprised at the ones who actually have “battle
scars” and the ones who don’t. Most likely, even in our churches, there are people who have given the
appearance, or even the actual words of being Special Ops for God, but they are not. And there are
those who have not boasted or put themselves forward, who actually have (spiritually speaking) many
Medals of Honor. Acts of valor and courage, having fought the good fight. As you read this, I want to
encourage you. I am not so concerned with whether you have “Stolen” Valor, most likely you have not.
But what I do want to encourage you with is that you have been faithful, and you have done acts of
Valor. You’ve not boasted in it, and you’ve not shared your scars – but they are there. Bless you for it.
Your day of recognition is coming. “Your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
(Matthew 6:4) What you have done will not only pass the law of “The Stolen Valor Act”, but it will pass
the test of fire on that day of rewards (medals). “Your work will be shown for what it is, because the Day
will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.” (I
Corinthians 3:13) People who lie now and practice Stolen Valor, always need to worry that some exMarine or investigative journalist will find out the truth about them. That Day of Judgment will expose
those who have lied about their valorous acts in the spiritual realm. But for you, it will be a time when
your honor is seen, and your rewards will be given – only to be laid at the Savior’s feet. “Great is your
reward in heaven.” (Luke 6:23)
“Am I a soldier of the cross, a follower of the Lamb? And shall I fear to own His cause, or blush to speak
His name? Must I be carried to the skies, on flowery beds of ease? When others fought to win the prize,
and sailed through bloody seas? Are there no foes for me to face, must I not stem the flood? Is this vile
world a friend to grace, to help me on to God? Sure I must fight if I would reign, increase my courage
Lord! I’ll bear the toil; endure the pain, supported by Thy Word.”