By Way of Reminder #302
Memorial Day

Today, in the United States of America, we pause to remember the men and women who have given their lives for the freedom of our great nation. I thought it fitting to reflect upon the words of Paul as he left Ephesus, never to return:

You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 20:18-21

Brotherhood. Serving with humility, shedding tears, sharing in trials, standing firm in righteousness. Paul faced prison everywhere he went, yet he was resolute in his goal.

For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.
Acts 20:27

Leaders must be willing to serve by staying true to their goals even in the face of great trouble. Within the church, we need to be sure that the entire Word of God will be preached, being faithful to the message He placed in our charge. Anything less is unfaithfulness.

In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Acts 20:35

This is why we do what we do, why the time and pain are nothing compared to the greater reward. Those who died for freedom paid the ultimate price, but the cost of a soul is more than the sum of physical protection. True freedom requires that we lay down our lives to help those who are weak, physically or spiritually.

Praise God for leaders of His church, for the convictions of men and women who engage in combat, and for our fellow soldiers who give themselves in service of the greater calling.

So as we take time today to honor those who have gone before us, both in freedom and in faith, we must remain thankful for the work God has done on our behalf. Uphold the charge to live in the fullness of that freedom and use it to save and serve others.

Do justly. Love kindness. Walk humbly. Stay tuned.