The Password is - "Discipline, Sir!"

When I was growing up, one of my father's ways ofthe road I've taught you. Can you do that?" Of
making me, along with my sister and two brotherscourse I told him I could and off I'd go. It was the
behave, was to tell us that he was the captain insame for my brothers and sister when they wanted
charge and we - like it or not - were his soldiers.to do something or go somewhere.
You see, following the First World War, Dad wantedWith that background in mind, you can see why I
to join the military, but for some physical reasons, henow have a rather unique personal password that I
never made it into the Army or the Navy. But he diduse to get access to the hundreds of websites I visit
join the cavalry of the Pennsylvania National Guardon my computer. Of course, my password of choice,
for a few months. While serving there, he learned allthe password I'll never forget, is always that one
about: marching, commands, how to give orders andspecial word out of my growing up years, the word:
how to ride a horse. Of course, he also becamediscipline.
familiar with most of the disciplinary practices usedAs I look back, I have a much better understanding
by the military such as the all-important use ofof why my military-minded Dad expected me to
passwords.understand the deep meanings of that unique
One thing I remember vividly was the way Dadpassword he taught me so many years ago.
controlled our behavior by teaching us that as aAs Christians, we have learned our Heavenly Father is
family, just like in the military, for safety's sake, wequite strict and demanding regarding thebehavior of
had to have a family password.his personal army of prayer warriors.
For example, when I wanted to go out to ride myGod knows the desire of our hearts is to be
bike, I had to ask for Dad's permission. I would say:effective prayer warriors for him. Therefore, as
"Dad, may I go out and ride my bike over to Pat'shandpicked volunteers in God's elite and highly trained
house?" Dad would say: "Yes, but before you go Iarmy of prayer warriors, he expects us to know his
want you to tell me the password. If you don't knowrules and follow His orders without question.
the password, you can't go!" My immediate answerHis first instruction to us, after we report for duty, is
was: "The password is: Discipline, Sir!" Dad would smileto command us to sound off with the onlypassword
and say: "That's right son and I want you to thinkI'm sure he expects to hear from us as we respond
about that word while you are out riding on yourto him, loud and clear:
bike. Be disciplined about traffic signs and while you"The password, Sir is: Discipline, Sir!
are there all by yourself, remember all the rules of