Gospel-Centered Memorial Day

"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, the cost of freedom is taken for granted.

Unfortunately, I think the same condition applies to many as they live 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.  As we taste and see the beauty of Christ's love and mercy to us, we are transformed.  We reject the idols that held us fast as false, shallow, and unsatisfying.  Instead, we embrace the love, care, and presence of Christ, by and through the power the Holy Spirit that dwells within us, so that we regain a renewed and growing relationship with the Father.

Such reflection is impossible unless we realize how much we need renewed and growing relationship with God.  Without knowing our need, we will never fully trust in the cure.  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.  I have heard it said often that the message of the gospel is not encouraging since 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, ignoring the real gospel message means we replace it with something false.  Instead of learning to rest in the solid rock that is Christ, we prefer to trust in ourself.  Consequently, we give up our freedom and joy found in Christ for bondage found in trying to keep ourself satisfied while maintaing our undeserved reputation.  

In scriptural language, we 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 and other civilizations would disagree!).  

It is amazing how we as Americans take this for granted.  We give up our freedom for "peace" and "security."  At least that these are the code words we use.  What we really want instead of freedom is comfort and ease.  Friends, all of these words are not synonyms for the same concepts!

Freedom always comes with a price, and it is maintained by diligence.  

As Americans, I fear we have become too 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!  As individuals and as nations we constantly drift toward comfort and security from society instead of finding our rest in Christ alone.  May the price paid by Christ be the center of our reflections as we remember Memorial Day.