Holidays That Inspire!
Why has it become such a burden or hardship for many in America to remember sacrifice and courage (Memorial Day)? Additionally, why does it seem to be such a challenge to honor our nation's beginning with respect (Independence Day). For some, its “As long as I get a day off from work” - regardless of what the holiday is for! Is it really that difficult to stop, pause and reflect on the sacrifice of so many for the purpose of preserving our republic?
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in America for the sole purpose of remembering and mourning U.S. military personnel who died while serving their nation in combat. It is observed on the last Monday in May. It is a privilege to remember…it is a privilege to honor! Celebrating the 4th of July is a splendid opportunity to reflect on our heritage and remember our blessings!
Please, know this: When we remember the past - it brings clarity to the present. Every one of us will die one day. Our days are numbered. This reminder of our mortality should awaken us to live a well-lived and meaningful life. Perhaps we can be inspired to leave a legacy to those who follow us!
The lives of American warriors lost on the battlefield should cause us to be grateful for their service and gracious toward others, today. Our fellow Americans should be received with kindness and courage. Kindness in order to be a blessing. Courage in order to be a teacher and protector.
War heroes certainly left a legacy! What kind of legacy will we leave? Solomon stated, “The memory of the righteous is a blessing…” (Prov. 10:7). Some legacies are blessings; others we’d rather forget. God says, “The righteous live by faith.” There is a unique blend of strength, courage, compassion, and care in the righteous. It is expressed in a life of service and sacrifice.
The Apostle Paul declared, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord … will award to me on that day” (1 Timothy 4:7–8).
Of course, Jesus clearly proclaimed, “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). This is a marvelous reference to the evidence and expression of Jesus’ own love for us - His sacrificial death on the cross. Christians are called to live the same kind of life. Believers in the Lord Jesus are to exemplify the same sacrificial giving toward others!
Just like in America, which was founded on Christian principles and purposes, there are significant legacies—good and bad—recorded in Scripture to warn us and encourage us. America has a great history. Unfortunately, some have left a weak or bad legacy. Let’s remember those who allowed us the opportunity to leave our own legacy of going, giving, and serving!
So, What Should We Do?
If tomorrow was your last day on earth - what kind of legacy would you leave behind? Here are a few suggestions (gleaned from both fallen warriors and Scripture) to help (with help from Pastor Alistair Begg):
1. Resolve to live a life that will be missed
Be courageous and compassionate. Be bold, but not brash. Be faithful to God and forgiving of others.
2. Stun Your Readers
Be prayerful and worshipful. Resist the devil and draw near to God…He will draw near to you!
3. Resolve, with God’s help, to seize the day
Pursue what matters. Seize each moment. Love unconditionally. Don’t waste a second.
The psalmist prays, “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Ps. 90:12). When we number our days, pray for wisdom, and resolve to live in the ways listed above, we can hope for a legacy that will bless, strengthen, and help those who come after us—not for our praise but for God’s glory alone.
God, thank you for the Lord Jesus Christ! Thank you, Jesus, for giving your life as a sacrifice so that I may live a forgiven and free life. God, thank you for America and her fallen warriors. Help us remember that, in essence, where they fell is sacred ground. Places where freedom was fought for. Places where protecting the innocent was their purpose. Thank you, God - for all our blessings…today, we remember! Amen.
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