What do you think of when you think of Memorial Day? Is it the beginning of summer vacation, cookouts in the back yard, family get-togethers? There is certainly nothing wrong with those thoughts. In some churches, Memorial Day is kind of skipped over because it is not one of the holy days on the church calendar. But I believe that it would be good for us to be reminded of what Memorial Day really represents because its very name calls us to remember.
The ability to remember is a wonderful gift God has given us. In a flash we can be a child again, skipping rocks across a pond or walking in a meadow. Through our memories, we can fall in love, get married, and enjoy our children all over again. All this is possible through the wonderful blessing of memory.
Some of our memories are happy as we recall wonderful experiences. But some are sad, and we may shed tears as we remember them. Memories are also very practical. If we couldn’t remember that a red light means “stop,” we’d be in trouble. If you weren’t able to remember what day it is, or your anniversary or spouse’s birthday – you might be in big trouble. So, memories are practical. The problem, though, is that sometimes memory fails us. Sometimes we forget. But there are events that we should never forget. And Memorial Day encourages us to remember some of them. But people tend to be forgetful, and we seem to need help to jog our memories.
2 Timothy 2:3 says, “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” In America, we observe this day called “Memorial Day” or “Decoration Day.” It is marked by parades and speeches. Flags and flowers are placed on the graves of many servicemen. It was first observed on May 30, 1868, for the purpose of decorating the graves of the Civil War Dead. Then, after WW1 it became a national holiday dedicated to remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms that we enjoy. Now, it remembers ALL of those who died in the wars our nation has fought. And it is also a day upon which we remember our loved ones who have gone on before us. I also think we would be wise to remember the “good soldiers of Jesus Christ,” who paved the way for you and me in our Christian lives. Thank God for the good soldiers of Jesus Christ who have fought well, such as those who are mentioned in Hebrews 11.
What are some marks of a good soldier? Let me share a few.
He or she is a follower. Mark 8:34 says, “When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’” No one can be a good leader who cannot first be a good follower. In the military, there is almost always someone in rank above you, someone whose orders you must follow. Following Jesus is not an option. It is a command! In the military, refusal to obey an order is not allowed. Court martial may very well follow. Yet we take obedience to God so very lightly in our daily lives.
Second, he/she is a fighter. They are trained and taught to be aggressive when necessary. They will not cower or retreat in the face of the enemy. They will defend their own honor and that of their country. The Bible tells us to “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12). The verb “fight” in the Greek is present tense and is in the imperative mode, which means it is a command and not a suggestion.
Third, he or she is familiar. First, a soldier is familiar with the strategy of the enemy. They are familiar with the skills concerning weaponry. Also, they are familiar with the shadows of their friends. The good soldier is not only looking out for their self, but also for their friends–there is a mutual need for being close to other soldiers as you fight.
Lastly, he or she is faithful. A soldier remains true even when they must endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. That expression means, “to take one’s share of rough treatment; to suffer or endure affliction together.” It actually means to “suffer hardship in company with”—the good soldier is always true and loyal.
How will you remember? As we celebrate Memorial Day this coming May 25th, may we remember, with respect and endearment, all those who made the ultimate sacrifice (both sacred and secular) for our religious and personal freedoms.