CHALLENGE 5-A
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Read the online version of Challenge 5, Part A below.
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CHALLENGE 5: CROSS-TRAINING
Part A - Broken
Boot Camp
By Quintin Britt
Quintin Britt was born, raised, and attended school in Washington D.C. His parents divorced when he was an infant. He earned All-American honors in high school football. After graduating in 1978, Quintin enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Years later, Quintin became a Senior Drill Instructor, training new recruits at Boot Camp. He won many honors during his twenty-year career as a Marine and retired as a Gunnery Sergeant. He is married and a father. He graduated from Phoenix Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree and was ordained in 2013. Quinton currently serves as a board-certified hospital chaplain in Phoenix, AZ.
Growing up in the inner city was like being the rope in a tug-of-war between competing groups. I had to choose: would I pursue drugs, gangs, and sex, or education, responsibility, and character? Fortunately, my passion for playing high school football instilled a relentless pursuit of excellence in me. Going all-in on the grid iron helped me direct my aggression and buffered life’s disappointments. It was in the “pit,” when I lined up and overcame one, two, or three opponents, where I developed confidence and became a team leader. It also forged my resolve to achieve goals, to become the best I could be, and to become a man who makes a difference. Mediocrity was not an option.
I chose the Marines because of their reputation of being the toughest and the best. I was a tough, strong, and eager recruit, oozing with confidence. My motivation was to prove myself against the best. I was determined to overcome every challenge in order to earn the coveted status of being a Marine. I was all in and ready, or at least I thought I was, for anything Boot Camp would throw at me.
After arriving at Parris Island, I quickly discovered that every recruit was like me – strong-willed, determined, and brimming with confidence. We were a fierce group of alpha males. But during the first two weeks of Boot Camp, most recruits were broken. It was a necessary but painful step in the process of being transformed into Marines. The physical demands were relentless: push-ups, sit-ups, running, marching, endless drills – all done with little sleep. We pushed through exhaustion every hour of every day. Simultaneously, we learned to follow directions perfectly and without hesitation.
For me, the greatest challenge was not the physical demands or following directions, but the mental challenge of accomplishing unending and meaningless tasks which required intense concentration and attention to minute details. Words that meant one thing in civilian life had a different meaning in the Marine Corps. It was like learning a new language. For instance, discipline meant instant and willing obedience to all orders, respect for authority, and teamwork. Attention to details required us to execute all assigned tasks in a meticulous and methodical fashion. Obedience demanded submission to authority and unconditional compliance to an order, request, or law. The ultimate purpose of Boot Camp was, and continues to be, the physical and mental transformation of every recruit.
Like most recruits, I assumed I would earn the privileged status of being a Marine through hard work and determination. The physical demands required mental adjustments. I had to change my way of thinking, a prerequisite for character transformation. Boot Camp demanded my all: body, mind, and soul. (The arduous challenges of the first two weeks of Boot Camp usually forced recruits to abandon their sole reliance on their own abilities and strength.) I was powerless. I could not control the process or the results. I thought I had gone all-in when I enlisted but had not yet realized what that required. My calling was to serve God, country, and Corps. To achieve that I had to let go of my previous ways of thinking and doing and allow the Corps to transform me. I learned that going all in required surrendering control and trusting the Corps to make me into a Marine.
My Breaking Point
However, unlike many recruits, I did not reach my breaking point during the first two weeks of Boot Camp. It was several weeks into our training before I was broken. Football had prepared me for the rigorous physical demands. But I was not prepared to face the continuous mind games coupled with the requirement to instantly obey orders that seemed both unnecessary and unreasonable. The mental fatigue that accompanied my physical exhaustion eventually shattered my arrogance.
One day, while the rest of the platoon was on mess duty or guard duty, I was the only recruit in the squad bay (because I was the Platoon Guide with specific privileges and responsibilities). A drill instructor from our sister platoon came on deck and commanded me to begin doing mountain climbers and bends/thrust. Then, as I did the exercises, he insulted me using colorful language. My senior drill instructor was in the hut (his office). After the other drill instructor had trashed me for ten minutes or so, he went into the hut with the senior. Moments later, the senior ordered me to stop.
“Aye, aye, Sir” I replied.
“Get in here,” he shouted at me.
I went into the hut and reported, after which the senior drill instructor dismissed me. I about faced and started toward the hatch (door). But the other drill instructor, who had trashed me for no reason, was intentionally blocking the exit. Outraged, I quickly approached him until we were eye to eye, only inches apart. I balled my fists, but paused for a moment, to give him an opportunity to step out of my way before I made him move.
“Go around him,” my senior drill instructor ordered. I hesitated as adrenaline poured into my bloodstream, my body ready to attack. Then, for the second time, my senior ordered, “Go around him, Britt!” This time I managed to obey even though it required me to stoop down and practically crawl under his arm as he continued to deliberately block the exit. I wanted blood, but I reluctantly backed down and obeyed the order. I felt humiliated, denigrated, diminished, and infuriated. Ducking to go under his arm broke me. It was my turning point. At that moment, I finally became fully receptive to being molded into a Marine. Some recruits break because of the physical demands, others break because of the mental demands, but it was my pride that had to be broken. I finally realized it was not about me. One way or another, all recruits must be broken in order to learn this before they can become Marines.
The entire thirteen-week process is intended to transform recruits into Marines. Every component in our training is essential: close order drill, weapons systems, biological warfare, hand to hand combat, land navigation, water survival, and field training. Every minute of every day demands accountability and teachability. There are many skills that must be learned. But through this complex and challenging process, a group of formerly self-reliant individuals are molded into a cohesive unit known as a platoon. We become one in mind and purpose, responsible for and accountable to each other. We learn to trust each other with our lives. The mission requires personal sacrifice. Instant obedience saves lives. Respect for authority prevents chaos. Personal accountability is a prerequisite for success, and morale is built through embracing esprit de corps (a shared pride, fellowship, and loyalty). Boot Camp is the rite of passage all recruits must pass through before they become Marines.
The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor
The final hurdle of Boot Camp is an arduous test of endurance called the “crucible.” For over fifty hours recruits go without sleep as they are pushed to the maximum. It tests both physical and mental toughness. Completion of that test is the finish line after thirteen stressful and transforming weeks of training. The joyful climax is graduation, the celebration of our successful completion of Boot Camp as each of us is awarded our own “Eagle Globe and Anchor” emblem. We are no longer recruits, but Marines. We wear the insignia with great pride. It’s a day we never forget because “once a Marine, always a Marine.” Semper fidelis (always faithful).
Sanctification
Quintin went all-in to become a Marine. He also went all-in to become a disciple of Jesus. How can this be? Marines are fierce warriors. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Marines are trained to fight and kill the enemy. Jesus permitted his enemies to arrest and crucify him without resistance. He taught his disciples to love their enemies. What could Marines and disciples possibly have in common?
Actually, there are many similarities. Becoming a Marine and becoming a disciple of Jesus both require us to go all-in. Starting with a decision, an unconditional commitment to submit to a higher authority, it is an act of faith and trust that every Marine and every disciple has made. Whenever we go all-in, we surrender control of our lives. We no longer call the shots or control the outcome. We have chosen to live for something or someone greater than ourselves. In doing so, we are joining a community which exists to serve that greater purpose. Marines are trained in a platoon, and Jesus trained his apprentices in a community of twelve for three years.
After deciding to go all-in, both recruits and new believers begin intensive training that will transform them into Marines or Christ-like disciples. For Marines, it is called Boot Camp, and is completed in thirteen weeks. For disciples, it is called sanctification, and requires the rest of our lives to become like Jesus. Going all-in for both Marines and disciples is a decision that is made at a particular moment in time. But the transformation that follows is a lengthy and oftentimes painful process. Challenges 5 through 8 comprise Tier II, which focuses on the life-long process of sanctification.
Sanctification literally means becoming holy, distinct, and set aside for God’s purposes. It is a life-long process of character transformation. Marines usually enlist (go all-in) for several years, and then can re-up for additional years. Disciples, however, go all-in (enlist) for life because it takes a lifetime to become like Jesus. That’s why Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be “born again” (John 3:3), which refers to starting over as the first step of a total, life-long make-over. For disciples, “the old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Cor. 5:17). We could honestly say, “Once a disciple, always a disciple. Semper fidelis” (always faithful).
Disciples learn many of the same values that Marines learn. We are rebels by nature and must learn to obey. Self-discipline and self-regulation in every area of life are also required qualities in the job description for disciples. Both Marines and disciples must learn restraint. Mental toughness is essential. We always give our best to the Lord. Like Marines, disciples must be prepared to make enormous sacrifices to accomplish our mission of being faithful to Jesus, even to the point of sacrificing our lives. Jesus, the crucified one, taught this to his disciples, saying “If any of you want to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it” (Luke 9:23-25). Jesus was saying, we must be broken.
Disciples are called to daily give up their lives for the sake of Jesus, who died for them. This is a difficult teaching, requiring that we die to our old selves. We may lose our physical lives for Jesus. Over the last twenty centuries, countless numbers of disciples have literally died for Jesus. It’s called martyrdom. Many more disciples have died for Jesus than the number of Marines who have died for their country. Going all-in requires a spiritual death for all disciples. We must die to our old self before we can be born again and become like Jesus. Being plunged into the waters of baptism symbolizes dying; and then rising from beneath those waters symbolizes that a new life has begun. Consequently, every disciple can honestly say, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).
Quintin was emphatic, all Marine recruits must be broken. Disciples must come to the end of our self-reliance and recognize we cannot succeed in our own strength. It is not about us. Brokenness is another metaphor for dying to self. To be broken is not like splattering a raw egg against a wall. Rather, the brokenness that Marines and disciples experience in our training is more like a wild horse being broken in a round pen. We are not broken by force but by developing a deeper trust. The wild horse learns to trust in someone besides itself in the round pen. Marines must trust the process in Boot Camp. Disciples develop deeper trust in Jesus through being broken by hardship, pain, and suffering. I think this is what Deitrich Bonhoeffer meant when he wrote, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die” (The Cost of Discipleship).
I believe it is easier to train a person to kill their enemies than to love their enemies. This is why our training as disciples takes a lifetime. A change of heart is required as well as a change of mind. But often, heart change comes through adversity. “Cross Training” is a life-long process that we intentionally live into by living minute by minute under the authority of Jesus.
THINKING IT THROUGH
“I used to wander off until you disciplined me, but now I closely follow your word.” (Ps 119:67)
THE TRUTH: Jesus was different: holiness characterized his life and enriched the lives of others.
YOUR CHALLENGE: Disciples continually cultivate character and holiness.
The Scriptures, questions, and notes are for group discussion and personal reflection. Our goal is character transformation which requires sustained effort and growing faith. The questions can help you understand this challenge at a deeper level. We encourage you to focus on those questions that you find most interesting or helpful. This is not a test, but a tool to help you work the challenges.
Related Scriptures
Psalm 51:8
⁸ Oh, give me back my joy again;
you have broken me—
now let me rejoice.
Matthew 8:5-13 ⁵ When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a centurion came and pleaded with him, ⁶ “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”
⁷ Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”
⁸ But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. ⁹ I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”
¹⁰ When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! ¹¹ And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. ¹² But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
¹³ Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.
2 Timothy 2:3-4 ³ Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.
2 Peter 1:5b-7 ⁵ᵇ Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, ⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, ⁷ and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
John 14:15 ¹⁵ “If you love me, obey my commandments.”
Galatians 2:20 ²⁰ My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Romans 6:6 ⁶ We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.
2 Corinthians 5:17 ¹⁷ This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
Romans 12:2 ² Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
Galatians 6:15b ¹⁵ᵇ What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.
1 Peter 1:13-16 ¹³ So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. ¹⁴ So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. ¹⁵ But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. ¹⁶ For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”
Philippians 2:2 ² Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
2 Timothy 4:5 ⁵ But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
Questions
You are encouraged to use these questions for group discussion or personal reflection. Respond to the questions that are most relevant or interesting to you (I urge you to write your responses in a journal or notebook).
Share a lesson you have learned that could not be taught in the classroom. Has what you learned improved your life? If so, how has it improved your life? What was the cost of learning it? And finally, was it worth the price you paid to learn it?
This challenge speaks repeatedly of being broken, coming to the end of ourselves, or realizing we could not overcome a problem by relying on our strength and abilities. What does becoming broken mean to you? Have you been broken? If so, explain how it happened.
Quintin stated that recruits had to be broken before they could be reshaped and transformed into Marines. Do you agree that brokenness is a necessary prerequisite to transformation? Why or why not?
Do disciples need to be broken before they can become like Christ? Why or why not?
Bonhoeffer wrote, “When Christ calls a man [or woman], he bids him come and die.” How would you explain what this statement means to a friend who is not a believer?
Quintin described what happened in Boot Camp in this way: “a group of self-reliant individuals are molded into a cohesive unit known as a platoon. We become one in mind and purpose, responsible for and accountable to each other. We learn to trust each another …, sacrifice …, … obey, respect authority, … accountability, and to embrace esprit de corps (a shared pride, fellowship, and loyalty).” Do you believe Jesus wants to instill similar qualities into his disciples? Have you ever experienced anything like what Quintin described?
Identify an experience when you came to the end of yourself and had to rely on others.
Compile a list of biblical heroes who were broken at some point in their lives.
Jesus said we have to “become like little children” to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt 18:2-3). Young children are not self-reliant; they must trust others to meet their needs. Does this describe the original disciples? Does it describe you?