"Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you; Jesus Christ and the American soldier. One died for your soul; the other died for your freedom"
Jesus said, "There is no greater love than laying your life down for your friends". Love overflows in the hearts of those who serve. They feel a duty higher than themselves. They understand the honor that comes with being a soldier and carry that honor on their shoulders.
In many ways, those who serve can be compared to the way that Jesus loved us. There are actually more similarities than what's on the surface. So, today I decided to blog about these similarities. Perhaps making the connection between Jesus and these heroes will allow us to hold these men and women a little higher in our hearts.
1. They feel that we are worth dying for.
Even though we constantly make mistakes, create conflict, and hate others, both Jesus and our American soldiers continue to serve us.
2. Neither get the respect that they deserve.
Jesus was mocked up until his last breath, and continues to be mocked to this day. The same goes for our soldiers. People mock their service by burning our flags and just being ungrateful for the sacrifices that millions of soldiers have made over the years.
3. Both teach us lessons through their humility.
Serving is not an easy thing, in far as being a soldier and being a preacher. It is hard and often unappreciated work. Yet, even though they have humbled themselves to such jobs, they do their jobs well, humbly and lovingly.
4. They serve and love others.
How hard is it to forgive someone who has done wrong to you? Imagine having to die for that person. Both Jesus and our soldiers had to do this. Jesus hated no one, but many hated him yet he died for these people. Soldiers have feelings just like anyone else. They might hate certain people, yet they continue to serve them on a daily basis.
5. They don't forget the little people.
Jesus especially was kind to the weaker people. He was gentle and loving with them, even though many considered such people to be outcasts. He touched lepers, the untouchables, and loved rowdy children. The same goes for our soldiers. They aren't just fighting for these big government people, they fight for the homeless, the sick, and the despaired.
6. They never give up.
This one speaks for itself. Jesus didn't cower away when it was his time. The soldiers laid down courageously in the same way when it was their time. When things became frightening neither tried to run away, but accepted their fate and handled it with courage.
7. They give us freedom.
Jesus has given us freedom from sin and eternal life. The soldiers have given us freedom and safety in our country. Thank God for both.
8. They are heroes.
"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself" (Joseph Campbell). Jesus is one of the most heroic people that I know, and the soldiers are no less of a hero.
9. We don't mourn their lives, but rather celebrate them.
"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived." (George S. Patton) We don't mourn that Jesus died, we celebrate that he defeated sin! In the same way, we should celebrate the lives of those who did die. Both deserve to be celebrated on a daily basis!
I am so thankful for every brave hero who has given everything for me to freely and safely live here in the United States, and for the man who laid down his life to give me freedom from sin and eternal life.
Happy Memorial Day! God Bless You!
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