Our Response to the Military

The calendar has several days during the year that refer to the military.  However, three of those days are notable ones: Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, and Veteran’s Day.  These are days of remembrance when honor should be given to specific military members or families.

      Armed Forces Day is celebrated the 3^rd Sunday of May.  Those to be honored are still serving in the military.

      Memorial Day is celebrated the last Monday in May.  Those who gave their lives in service to our country should be honored and families thanked.

·       Veteran’s Day is celebrated on November 11.  This day is to honor those who have served, but who no longer wear a military uniform.

The Bible identifies three action steps to take.

1)    Pray.  The Bible says, “First of all, I ask that you pray for all people. Ask God to bless them and give them what they need” (I Timothy 2:1a).  “All people” means that we pray for everyone – including military men, women and their families.  Pray that God would provide good health and strength to those who are currently serving and those who have previously served.  Also pray for the families who have lost loved ones.

2)    Give Thanks.  The Bible tells us that we should “give thanks” (I Timothy 2:1b).  Prayers for the military ought to include giving thanks to God for them.  If we see a military person (or know one) we should take time to let them know we appreciate their service.  We should also remember that the freedoms we enjoy have come through both sacrifice and service.

3)    Honor.  Scripture says that we are to, “Give everyone what you owe them. If you owe them any kind of tax, then pay it. Show respect to those you should respect. And show honor to those you should honor” (Romans 13:7).  Honor and respect is due to all those who hold positions of authority or who have made significant contributions to our society.  Our appreciation for service rendered should be expressed with much gratefulness.

Do you know someone who has served or is currently serving in the military?  Say “thank you” to them.  Tell them that you appreciate what they have done. Either audibly or silently pray for them giving thanks to God for the freedom you enjoy because of what they have done.

Doubly Free

Independence Day is an annual holiday commemorating the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia.  At the first holiday the Declaration of Independence was read aloud, city bells rang, and bands played.  Although July Fourth was a bit different this year, it is traditionally celebrated publicly with parades, pageants, patriotic speeches, organized firing of guns and cannons, displays of fireworks, and family picnics.

So, what exactly do we celebrate on the Fourth?  Our celebration is one of independence of the United States from Britain.  As a country we are free to govern our own affairs and to act in responsible ways in our society.  Wars and events, like September 11, 2001, remind us that there is a price to be paid for the freedom and independence that we enjoy.  Here are some things that recap from a biblical perspective what we should know about bondage, freedom, and life.  The Bible tells us:

(1)   Everyone is in bondage because of sin.  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

(2)   Spiritual freedom is made available to us through Jesus Christ.  He paid a high cost for us when He died on the cross to pay the penalty of our sins..  “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness: by his wounds you have been healed” (I Peter 2:24).

(3)   Through the sacrifice that Jesus made, you and I can participate in spiritual freedom.  St. John puts it this way, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

(4)   By personally receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord we enter a life-sharing union with God and are promised eternal life.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

(5)   Jesus provides a blessed life for us which only comes through Him.  Jesus said, “I am come that you might have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10).  John goes on to say, “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (I john 5:12).

Let us be thankful and grateful to God for the freedom and independence that we enjoy as a country.  And may those who by faith, have received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, be thankful and grateful to God for the spiritual freedom they have.  With these two freedoms, a person who is a Christian and lives in the United States might say that he or she is doubly free.

Growth, Celebration and Freedom

July is always a fun month.  It is the middle month of the summer – a time when we see plants, gardens and crops growing and producing.  It is a month during which we celebrate the independence of our wonderful country.  And of course, independence means that we enjoy the freedom that comes with it.  Let’s take time to personally apply growth, celebration, and freedom to us from a Biblical perspective.

Growth.  God wants us to grow in our knowledge of Him and in appreciation for what he has done for us when He says, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To him be glory both now and forever!  Amen” (II Peter 3:18).

Celebration.  God wants us to be joyful and observe with celebration who He is and the good things He has done for us.  “They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness” (Psalm 145:7).

Freedom.  Real freedom is spiritual freedom and it is available to us through the Lord Jesus Christ.  “So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

This summer as you view God’s creation growing and producing, as you celebrate the wonderful independence that is yours, and as you enjoy your personal freedom, I encourage you to think about these blessings and the spiritual application of them to you.