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While visiting music clinic this past month I was personally blessed by the talents and gifts displayed by so many many young kids. Music has always held a special place in my heart, especially patriotic favorites such as "Star Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America." I couldn't help but get the chills listening to my country's national anthem and feeling a sense of pride. I've been so incredibly privileged in my young life to have grown up in peaceful times. The Persian Gulf Crisis experience paled in comparison to World War I, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam so my perception of war has never felt very realistic. If one were to ask someone from "my" generation, what Patriotism means to them, their answer would probably be much different than their parents and grandparents. Has the price we've paid for growing up in peace time been, the cost of never truly understanding patriotism? I fear the answer is yes. Veteran's day is an afterthought to so many "Gen-Xer's". Rather it's a "day off", a longer weekend, a nice parade (which are disappearing too). If we were to parallel news reels of our parents/grandparents on the battlefield against home videos of our leisure activities, I hope we would be instantly humbled and ultimately grateful.
Why would these men and women risk so much for me? To create "a land of the free, home of the brave"? These were people that looked beyond their daily lives and toward a goal set before them by those they chose to trust. So many in biblical past gave their lives for God's cause, and they'd never seen the "general". They trusted in the outcome, they trusted in their leader. We can learn a great deal from this exhibit of earthly and heavenly loyalty. Maybe you are patriotic. Maybe every veteran you see, you thank. Maybe your observance of Veteran's day activities is respectful. Maybe you still put your hand on their heart and remove your hat for the "Star Spangled Banner." That respect is the least we can do for our veterans who have laid aside their families, careers, and for many their lives. I feel many times I appreciate my freedom, but would I have appreciated it enough to give my life to get and keep that freedom? I fear not.
A Son was sent from Heaven to fulfill a mission and although the way was tough, Jesus, did not fail His father. He gave His life on the cross to fulfill the gospel. His death on the cross meant life for me. My freedom on earth pales next to the freedom bought with Christ's sacrifice on the cross. From one man's death and LIFE, I was offered eternal freedom if I choose it. What an incredible gift! Yet how can we appreciate that eternal freedom when even our earthly freedom is unappreciated? How can we be grateful for one mans death, Christ's, when we ignore the many who fought and died for our earthly freedom? One could say that it's really the eternal freedom that matters most and they would be right. Yet somehow it's hard to imagine not appreciating what others have fought for: my freedom to be here and make that choice, a freedom to vote and a freedom of worship. Aside from how the government appears and how there is always the possibility of corruption, we were originally founded as "one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all". I pray I'm grateful for my earthy freedom fighters and yet be even more grateful for the eternal freedom bought with Jesus' death on the cross. As Pastor Bill Knott said, while preaching to those attending music clinic this past weekend, "We've left the cross out of our lives all too often". May we remember that its only because of that "death" on "the cross" that I will have life eternal. May I always pledge allegiance to my country and flag and most importantly proclaim allegiance to my true Saviour, the ultimate freedom fighter and my true redeemer.
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I have heard how Christians long ago Were brought before a tyrant’s throne They were told that he would spare their lives If they would renounce the name of Christ But one by one they chose to die The Son of God they would not deny Like a great angelic choir sings I can almost hear their voices ring CHORUS: |
Now the years have come and the years have gone And the cause of Jesus still goes on Now our time has come to count the cost To reject this world, to embrace the Cross And one by one let us live our lives For the One who died to give us life Till the trumpet sounds on the final day Let us proudly stand and boldly say CHORUS |