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It is Memorial Day, and, on this day, we are remembering and honoring the US Military personnel who died while serving our US Military.
"Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It's our goal in life to find it and keep it lit."- Mary Lou Retton
To know that our service men and women found their calling and made it a goal and went for it is why we are where we are today. They wake up everyday with a fire in their hearts to serve and protect our country.
Freedom is what the US stands on. "Land of the free. Home of the brave." It is also what we as Christ followers work toward: freedom and surrender.
Galatians 5:13 - "For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love."
Our fallen US military used their freedom to serve others every day. Because of this, we are able to live today knowing that we are protected by those who serve every day and by the hand of God watching over us. As you go about your day today, let’s be reminded that we live in freedom because of the sacrifices made by Jesus first, and by those who served and continue to serve, whom we honor today.
I cannot imagine waking up every day with the mindset to protect others so they can live in freedom. Jesus strived for that as He preached to all who would listen and then died for us to live in freedom. Those who serve in our military every day wake up knowing it is their job to serve and protect.
1 Corinthians 15:58 - "So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."
This scripture is lived out by those who have gone before us and those who still serve today, embodying selfless service. This is inspiring, and I believe we, in our everyday walks, should hold on to working enthusiastically for our Lord no matter what our job entails. We are doing it to serve God.
Galatians 5:14 - "For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
I think that those we honor for their service absolutely loved their neighbors as themselves. This is why their service is so special and important. As Jesus walked this earth, He gave us example after example of loving others and giving selflessly to others.
Let’s pray - Lord, thank you for your guidance and for leading the way on how to serve and love others so selflessly. Thank you for all those who served and died protecting our country, and thank you for those who are serving today and for those who will serve in the future, as we would not be where we are without their service. Be with the family members who lost someone in service and let them feel the love of their neighbors and of You, Lord. Father, help us not to take for granted anything you provide and to honor those who gave their lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.