Memorial Day: A Day for Thanks and Praise

On Memorial Day, we celebrate and honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Some of us will do so at cookouts with family, at home watching a baseball game, on the road to a particular destination, and others will do so at work but regardless of the activity, Memorial Day is a day when we think about those people who have given more of themselves than was ever asked. As Christians, there is no other better warrior than Christ Himself.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while
we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

—Romans 5:8

While nobody should degrade the service that men and women have made for this country over the last two centuries, I believe that too few people remember the sacrifice that Christ gave to us all. There is an old saying that I have heard used over and over again: “only two forces have willingly died for you; the American Soldier and Jesus Christ. One died for your freedom and the other died for your soul.” Without question, it’s an honor to be an American but more importantly, a Christian.

As Americans, we are the freest and luckiest people on the face of the Earth and while we celebrate this day with purpose, we should also remember Christ as He not only gave the ultimate sacrifice but He paid a price that none of us can ever repay for our eternal soul. The American soldier and their sacrifice should be celebrated and honored but without the sacrifice of Christ and all the greatness that He has provided for America, the sacrifice made by men and women past, present and in the future would not matter.

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid
down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives
for the brethren.”

—1 John 3:16

When we compare scripture with the military, we see how the worthiness of the people is not a requirement. Most of the American soldiers serve because it’s the job and like any other job, you have to put up with some bad apples. Thankfully, these men and women do so without giving much thought to what may be ahead and the same is true for God. Although Christ came to Earth for a particular reason; to die, He went through with it despite the fact that He could have backed out.

It truly is hard to justify asking someone to lay down their lives but there are those willing to do so. Yes, there are soldiers who have given the military a bad name including many politicians but the point of this article is to shine light and give thanks to those who do a duty that is worth more than their pay but to also remember the greatest soldier of all time, Christ Himself. The two forces may seem miles apart and while there is a negative perception held by many for one and a false misconception held toward another by others, the two are deserving of thanks and Christ is truly worth of praise.