More than BBQ

Ask This

What are some of your favorite Memorial Day weekend memories or traditions? (Suggest that it usually signifies the beginning of summer, and probably includes great food and family gatherings.)

Say This

While these things are great, there is a greater reason for this holiday. Memorial Day is about honoring the memory of men and women who have given their lives defending our country and the freedoms we enjoy. Sadly, it has largely been cheapened into little more than an extra day off of work, and an excuse to cook-out. Here are a few things that Christians should keep in mind on Memorial Day.

1. Soldiers Can Teach Us A Lot (Read John 15:13):
   Soldiers are called to show courage, serve sacrificially, and exhibit great strength, faith, and obedience. The Bible often compares living the Christian life to that of military service. We are to fight the good fight, put on the full armor of God, and serve as a good  soldier of Jesus Christ. When we remember the dedication and sacrifice shown by a fallen soldier, we are calling to mind what we are supposed to be like as Christians in service to Christ.
2. We Have Dual Citizenship (Read Philippians 3:20-21):
   Philippians 3 tells us that we are citizens of Heaven. This means that our first allegiance must always be to Christ, and His kingdom. We are also citizens of the United States. This means that we should take pride in our country, and honor those who have paid the ultimate price to defend it.
3. We Remember Our Past for Our Future (Read 1 Corinthians 11:24–26):
   Christians are a “memorial” people, because our entire faith is based on remembering. Every time a worship service occurs, the Lord’s Supper is observed, or an Easter celebration takes place, it is a memorial to our past.

In the same way, it is wise for us to remember the great price some have paid to preserve the freedoms we enjoy. Our future as a country largely depends on how well we collectively remember and cherish liberty and resist tyranny. As George Santayana once said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

So as we celebrate Memorial Day, let us do so with a profound sense of gratitude for the extraordinary men and women who gave their lives for America’s survival.

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Pray This 

Dear Lord, thank you for those who have given their lives defending our country and our freedom. We ask that you protect our troops who currently stand in  harm's way, and comfort the families of those who have lost someone they love. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Try This 

• Attend a Memorial Day ceremony and/or place flowers on the gravesite of a fallen soldier.
• Write letters of gratitude and remembrance to someone who has lost a loved one in service to our country.
• If you know (or can meet) a service veteran — a family member or an acquaintance through church or another venue — take your children to see that person and listen carefully to whatever experiences he or she is willing to share.
• Watch an age-appropriate movie or TV program that thoughtfully presents the struggles and sacrifices of our servicemen and women.
• Make an American-themed dessert and deliver it someone who served in the military, or who is mourning the loss of their loved one.
• Fly the colors: Take time to learn about the history of the flag and "The Star-Spangled Banner."