Memorial Day is bittersweet. It makes you grieve for the individuals who gave their lives for our freedoms and for their loved ones left behind, but it also stirs up feelings of determination and purpose. The verse “greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” has somewhat set the example of service for our country. Men and women are laying their lives down everyday across the world to protect ours and provide us with freedom. As we remember these individuals, we also need to remember the One who laid His life down for all humanity.
He didn’t die on that cross for it to be in vain. The after-effects can still be felt. We have freedom because of His sacrifice: we can choose to worship how we want, we can freely read and carry our Bibles, we can attend church without being afraid. We also have life because of His sacrifice: the life we have through Him isn’t just here, but it’s for eternity.
It’s easy to “forget” things…it just happens, it’s natural. But “remembering” something is a conscious decision that we make. We, as Christians, need to consciously decide to remember every day, that we are in a battle. The battle we face is good versus evil. We need to demonstrate our loyalty, our faithfulness, and our obedience to our Commander. There are people who are enslaved by sin and to be victorious in this battle means that we have won a soul for the Lord.
I’ve never felt the call to enlist myself for my country and I truly appreciate the ones who do feel it and heed to that call. But I felt the enlistment call for His service a long time ago and I am trying my best to suit up every day for that battle.
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Ephesians 6:11-17 KJV
I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of America. And to the republic, for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag, and to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands. One brotherhood, uniting all Christians, in service and in love.
