Memorial Day is the secular version of Easter Sunday when we set aside a day for honoring the fallen that died securing the freedoms we enjoy today. Listen to Jesus’ words through the lens of what our heroic patriots experienced: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:12-13). He goes on to say that his decision to endure crucifixion is of his own volition. Heroes choose to respond to crises with courage. Remember September 2001 when recruiting stations had lines out the door with citizens eager to defend the country from further attack, and how the bombing of Pearl Harbor inspired thousands to leave home for foreign shores? But it isn’t weaponry that makes America great. It is the ideals we uphold as inherent and life-affirming. When the soul of America is threatened, sacrifice of self is secondary to community preservation.
Christians could learn a great deal from America’s salute to the fallen on Memorial Day. Are we willing to consider such dedication in our faith life as others have demonstrated for their country? The early Christians recognized that our spiritual life is akin to a soldier’s journey. Paul details the different parts of our battle gear, everything from a breastplate of righteousness to a helmet of salvation. Christianity in our contemporary context has grown soft because we have tricked ourselves into believing there is no spiritual war. Faith has been relegated to a portion of the complete life, behind financial security and anti-aging treatments. We’re in the middle of a greatest cosmic war between the forces of good and evil, and few people are lining up at the Christian recruiting office (AKA- the church)? Is the devil winning this “forgotten war”? A serious faith is a courageous one. If trust in God is not our supreme loyalty, what is? What are we willing to lay down our life for? Military personnel are certainly brave and I am grateful for their service. But there is something far better to uphold than American values. It is the Kingdom of God. Take time this week to reflect upon your faith journey and discern how best to position God as the center of your life. Be prepared for the spiritual conflict that is unavoidable.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam,
Pastor Troy
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