Written by Renae Trauger
Clinging tightly to the wet wooden beam, Benny took a deep breath just before he descended into the swift river water. Almost collectively, the crowd gathered on the banks of the stream beside the mill, held their own breath in utter stillness, completely captivated by what they observed. Slowly, creaking and rumbling, the large, heavy wheel continued rotating, and as Benny emerged from the water, the waiting crowd erupted into cheers and applause. Waving and grinning, Benny basked in the admiration and recognition of his daring feat.
After Benny’s father died when he was just a young boy, he quickly learned that taking chances would secure the attention he longed for. His daredevil quest to be noticed, regardless of his own safety, continued to define him as he grew into adulthood. Apprenticed to his pharmacist uncle, Benny dutifully learned the trade, opened his own successful apothecary and bookstore and established a shipping line. Benny chafed against the taxes and overbearing ways of the British and joined the American forces of the Revolution, where he quickly rose through the ranks, in part because of his bold and ambitious ways.
During the Battle of Saratoga, Benny defiantly disobeyed General Gates and recklessly led forces onto the field. Despite being severely wounded, his valiant act culminated in a decisive, milestone victory. George Washington himself commended his bravery and appointed him military head of Philadelphia and in time he gained command at West Point. If Benny had succumbed to his wounds, he would have died a hero and a patriot. But instead, Benny grew bitterly resentful for real and imagined slights, and soon became pessimistic about the country’s future. His quarrelsome ways caused him to be passed over for promotions and honors which he thought he deserved. He was court-martialed and convicted of using his authority to make a profit. He was also strongly influenced by his second wife, who was from a loyalist family with powerful British ties. Disillusionment transitioned into determination to finish on what he began to perceive as the winning side. Scheming and plotting with the British to overthrow West Point and feeding them crucial information, Benny fully expected to reap rewards and recognition for his actions. In reality he barely escaped with his life. The British did somewhat compensate him, but shockingly never fully trusted his motives and considered him an unprincipled mercenary.
Today” Benny”, better known as Benedict Arnold, is a name we use to describe a traitor and a turncoat, the very antithesis of a loyal patriot. How could a life swoop from one extreme to another? From the difference of true heroism and honor to empty fame and vain glory, and finally between principle and self-serving rationalization. At his highest Arnold was a notable leader with brilliant tactical skills, but then his actions crushed his reputation to the depths, becoming one of the most hated men in American history. Essentially, he was a patriot in name only, serving any country or cause that would further his own self-serving agenda. A scenario that is all too familiar, from Judas, to Benedict to Robert Hanssen and continuing to our present day.
Loyalty is defined as faithfulness to duty and ideals; steadfast devotion in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert or betray. Don’t be a Benedict Arnold, serving the Lord solely for blessings and repute, only to turn aside from God when circumstances change, and life becomes difficult. Jesus endured the cross that we might be saved and have eternal life. God is faithful and He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. God tells us to look beyond the temporary, fleeting things of this present life and focus on the far more exceeding and eternal glories in 11 Corinthians 4:17-18. Never, never give in and keep that chin up!
