Service in the armed forces of the United States is more than free tourism or government-funded education. It is perilous duty in service to a nation that has enemies.

The crew and families of the USS Cole were reminded of this on October 12, 2000, when terrorists caused the deaths of 17 and injured dozens more while the ship was refueling in Yemen. Recruitment posters may emphasize seeing the world or getting financial help with college, but the harsh truth is that enlistment in our nation's armed forces carries serious and grave risks.

Dare we present the Christian faith in the spirit of a recruitment poster that talks about the "perks" of being a church member without letting people know that one's life is on the line for following Christ?