Patriotism

Veterans Day 2023

DrJayCook Patriotism, Veterans Day , , , , ,

World War 1 ended on November 11, 1918.  They thought it was going to be the war to end all wars.  On the anniversary of that day, our nation remembered.  And that eventually turned into the national holiday known as Veterans Day.

Everyone seems to know that Memorial Day is for remembering those who died in service to our country, and we should remember.  However, it seems like few really think about the sacrifices made and memories held by those who faced the harshness of war and live to tell about it.

But we should.

The Bible makes it clear that we should give honor to whom honor is due.  And those who put their lives on the line for us deserve honor.  They deserve our thanks.

We may not agree with certain military actions that politicians have put into motion.  But our men and women who serve in the armed forces do not make those decisions.  They decided to protect us.  They decided to put their lives on the line for us.  They decided to take a road that many of us have not walked.

I still remember (as a child) standing on the square in Oxford when the veterans of World War 1 marched by.  My great-grandfather was one of them.  Each year that number dwindled until there were no more.  They (and other veterans) faced atrocities that we cannot imagine.  They saw the worst side of humanity.  They saw what happens when Jesus is not the center.

Today, we seldom hear the unvarnished accounts of our soldiers.  One political side or the other tends to slant things to benefit themselves rather than just give the facts.  Perhaps that is why the “honor” often seems missing amongst us.  Perhaps that is why many people will not even think about what November 11 is.

I am grateful to live in a country where opportunities abound.  I am grateful to live in a country where we enjoy freedoms that so many others do not experience.  I am grateful that many of our citizens are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure those freedoms.

Our veterans deserve our thanks.  They deserve our honor.  They deserve to be remembered on November 11.

I urge you to remember – to thank – to give honor.  And be sure to thank God for those willing to stand for us.

The Big Deal about Labor Day

DrJayCook Labor Day, Patriotism , , , ,

Labor Day is Monday.  What do you have planned?  What does it mean to you?

Back in the late 1800’s, labor activities pushed for a holiday to recognize the importance of workers in shaping and sustaining America.  They recognized the importance of “work” and wanted the nation to recognize it as well.

Today, many people may have the wrong idea about work.  Some see work as a burden, and some think it is an outcome of Adam and Eve’s original sin.  Some see work as a five-day drudgery leading to a weekend, and some see it as completely separate from what one does on Sundays.

For those of us who claim faith in Jesus, work is completely different (or should be).

God’s original plan for us included work; Adam and Eve were tasked with taking care of the Garden of Eden.  God is the Creator, and He continues to work today; He expects His followers to be like Him in this. Therefore, work is a form of worship.  Our work should point others to God because everything we do should point others to Him.

In your work (at a job, at school, around the house…), do you point others to God?  Do you show gratitude?  Do you imitate Jesus?  Do you serve others?

We read in Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.”  Whatever you do…  Work has a much bigger purpose than just getting a paycheck.  Work should be part of our living by faith.  Our work should demonstrate the integrity of God that we should show.  Our work should make a difference no matter what it is.

Billy Graham once said that he believed the next great awakening (the next revival that spreads across the nation) will probably occur in the workplace.  That makes total sense when you look at where our churches are.  Fewer people are attending and participating in churches today, but our population is increasing steadily.  The world is not in our church buildings.  The world is everywhere we are – including at work.

So this Labor Day, I hope you enjoy a break.  But I also hope you will recognize the blessing and opportunity that work gives us to make a difference and change our world.  Do it “for the Lord.”  It was and is His plan.