Today we pause to remember those brave men and women who, down through the years, made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives for the cause we call freedom. The value of something is determined by its cost. Freedom is precious since it cost the lives of American men and women. According to statistics from the Office of Veterans’ Affairs in the US Department of Defense, we have lost 1,194,664 soldiers during times of war and conflict. We should never take our freedom for granted.

Our culture makes heroes out of the most unlikely people – sports starts, performers, politicians, cultural icons. But to me, the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces are truly heroes. And those who have given their lives in the service are worthy of remembrance indeed. Jesus said,

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. – John 15:13

Yet the greatest Friend we have ever known made the ultimate sacrifice to defeat our ultimate enemy and provide us with the ultimate freedom. Jesus’ death on the cross one and for all provided the payment for the sins of all who will believe and trust in Him.

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. – John 8:36

Social freedom is precious and we should be grateful to those who made it possible. Spiritual freedom is priceless and we should believe and trust in the One who makes it possible. I know that many who read my blog are church members and professing believers, but I also know the occasional visitor scans this page too. Whether you are a church “lifer” or happened on this page by what seemed to you a coincidence, let me ask you some important questions.

Do you know for certain that you have a right relationship with God because you have abandoned your own best efforts at being good enough for God and you have acknowledged and professed that Jesus died for you so that you don’t have to be good enough? Has there been a time in your life when you made a conscious choice of your own will to commit your life to following Him? Have you called out to Jesus and asked Him to come into your life, forgive your sins, and give your life meaning and purpose?

Jesus didn’t die on the cross so we could join a church, be good person, or do enough good things to hope we are right with God. He died so that all who believe in Him would HAVE eternal life. Just as we don’t want to let the deaths of our brave service men and women to be in vain, so much more don’t let Jesus’ death for you be in vain. Trust Him today. If you would like to know more, click the link below “Steps to Peace with God.”