Memorial Day and the Gospel

"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." Gal. 5:1

Memorial Day in America is a time to remember.  We remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives so that we can have freedom here in America.  At least that it what it is supposed to be about!  I do fear that for most Americans, Memorial Day is just the three day weekend that kicks off summer.  Many of us do not take the time to think about the cost of freedom.  I guess if you are not directly impacted through the loss of a loved one, you don't often think about the cost of freedom.

I think the same truth applies to the Christian life.  Christ died to set us free.  Yet for many of us, we are "not directly impacted" by this work.  Some have not experienced the life-changing grace of the Lord that brings new birth.  Others experienced it years ago, but now "live lives of quiet desperation" with little thought of applying Christ's death to today.  For many of us, Christ's death, like that of our soldiers, is a quickly passing thought before the real life of planting gardens, planning barbecues, or playing in our favorite recreational activity.

A gospel- and grace-centered life begins with constant reflection upon the gospel.  This is impossible unless we realize how much we need the gospel.  Thus, the law of God is important because it battles our pride that leads to self-righteousness, and it casts us before Christ alone for mercy and grace.  As we repent of our self-effort and our other sins, we find joy, grace, and power to live a life of freedom.

Some people say this message is too negative.  It does not encourage.  It focuses too much upon our sin and need of God.  I am always amazed at this objection.  It is so short-sighted!  In reality, such people are willing to give up their freedom and joy found in Christ for bondage found in pleasing themselves or in keeping up their reputation.  They reject the spring of living water for broken cisterns that cannot hold water (Jer. 2:13).  Is it negative to speak the truth?  Each of us need God's love and mercy daily!  We so quickly give up our freedom in Christ for bondage to self.  Confess, repent, and believe.

In the same way, our freedom here in America came by God's blessing, but it also came through the blood and service of those in our military.  America is a social experiment in personal liberty and freedom being granted to each individual.  This liberty gave each person the freedom and encouragement to pursue their own good, as well as the responsibility of working toward that end.  The result has been the greatest civilization the world has ever known (though the Chinese would disagree!).  It is amazing how we as Americans take this for granted.  We give up our freedom for "peace" and "security."  Two clear examples of this are our continued endorsement of the Patriot Act and our willingness to give our freedom to the government so they can take care of us.  

Another clear example is our forgetfulness about how we achieved our freedom.  We are too busy to remember that freedom came with a price.  We are to self-absorbed to keep up the fight for liberty, opportunity, and freedom.  We give lip service to freedom, but we prefer bondage with "security" to freedom with responsibility.

Truly the fallen human condition forgets the blood that set it free!  May we have a reflective Memorial Day!