Pat Tillman

Pat Tillman is recognized as a true American hero. He walked away from a lucrative career playing professional football in order to join the U.S. military to fight in the war against terrorists. Tillman was killed by gunfire in Afghanistan. It was originally reported that he was killed by enemy forces. The truth later came out that he was in fact killed by “friendly fire”. Nonetheless, Pat Tillman is honored as a patriot who literally gave his all for his country.

At his funeral service, Pat’s brother, Richard stood up and made some very blunt remarks. He said, “He’d want me to say this. He’s not with God. He’s __________ dead. He’s not religious. So, thank you for your thoughts, but he’s ____________ dead.”

How tragically and eternally sad, to be dead and not with God! It’s possible to be a hero in the world’s eyes and completely miss the purpose of your existence—to be with God.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”—John 3:16