Doolies

For the first nine months of their existence at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) new cadets are referred to as “Doolies.” Until recently, I thought the term had been derived from the last name of the late James Harold Doolittle, General, U.S. Air Force and aviation pioneer. I figured it was a play on words, so to speak, out of respect for one of our beloved airmen. I found out that the term Doolie is actually derived from the Greek word doulos, which means servant or slave. As you might imagine, I smiled a big smile because that’s the same word the Apostle Paul used to describe those of us who have been born again and saved, purchased by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ.

Being a Doolie at USAFA means that you are on the lowest rung in just about every way. You are never treated unkindly or poorly; however, being the lowest ranked airman on base means you must faithfully perform duties that are considered menial, maybe even unpleasant at times. To a properly motivated cadet, this is a pristine opportunity to show themselves willing and able, worthy of wearing  the prop and wings insignia on their flight caps. In essence, by showing themselves to be faithful servants, they prove themselves worthy to the rest of the cadet body to be received into their ranks - this day in March each year is called “Recognition Day.”

We are Doolies in Christ’s army. We are servants. We must understand what a true privilege it is to be a part of the Body of Christ.

As Doolies, it is our honor to serve in whatever way necessary in order to contribute to the success of our squad. This often means that we must do the menial things which nobody else wants to do. Isn’t this what Paul has taught us? “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave [doulos] to all, so that I may win more” (1 Corinthians 9:19).

Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves [doulos] of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.
Paul describes the life of a believer in Christ as predominated by servanthood. He also describes this service as what might be best described as “all in.” What I mean to say is that a true servant doesn’t just serve when it suits them, or when it is convenient for them, or when it is at or above their perceived “pay grade.” That is the attitude of a self-serving individual. It remains cloaked and unidentifiable, however, until that point where they are presented with a task they refuse to perform because it is “beneath” them. Paul had every reason to boast by human standards, but he never assumed a job was too lowly for him (read Philippians 3 when you can). In fact, he considered any labor that advanced the Kingdom of God a privilege to perform.

For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. [Paul writes sarcastically now] We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor. To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.
A servant is identified by their heart. A heart is identified by its willingness to perform any and all duties assigned to it, regardless of how menial or lofty they might appear. A true servant isn’t interested in personal loss/gain in any way, but is only grateful for being given the opportunity to serve. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). This same man stated, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35b). This attitude, when it truly settles into its rightful, central place in a person’s heart becomes a quality of life, something inestimable in worth, and, above all, something that sets them free.

We find our greatest freedom in serving. This is something we aren’t taught in schools. In many ways, it is a cautious journey most of us take, requiring Bible study, prayer, and the proof of faith (ala 1 Peter 1:7) as it is given to us a little at a time. We are being sanctified one day at a time into the image of Christ, after all.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Let’s behave as Doolies do, shall we? Let’s adopt a whatever-it-takes attitude this day - why wait any longer? Let’s shed any notions that this or that type of labor is beneath us, exchanging the lies for the truth. Let’s stop worshipping the creature (starting with the one in the mirror) rather than the Creator. Let’s step back and remember how very fortunate we are to be in the position to even understand such things, to be members of Christ’s army.

When the contents of this blog become real for you in the most practical way (e.g., a duty is presented to you), do not shy away and make excuses like so many do. Share the load the way the Doolies do at USAFA. Sweep a floor, clean a toilet, pluck some weeds, paint a fence, wash some dishes, be someone’s helper for a day (stop talking and start listening). Don’t worry about who sees you - God sees the truth about your heart. Don’t take the cowardly way out by pronouncing, “The Spirit hasn’t convicted me to do this or that labor,” when your pastor, your parent, or whoever has charge over you asks you to do something (Have you ever considered that the Spirit works through those in authority to test your willingness to obey?). We’re all in this together - let’s act like it, lest we discourage one another.

God is good, my friends. Life is short. It’s time to serve. Be a Doolie and be grateful to the Lord for making you one of His own.

For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life.
Love in Christ,

Ed Collins