“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” Romans 13:7
Veteran’s Day is an outgrowth of Armistice Day, which commemorated the armistice of World War I in 1918. Since 1954, it has been enlarged to celebrate veterans, being those who have had experience of serving our country in the military, especially in time of war.
God tells us to honor those to whom honor is due. Christians, especially, need to keep our mind open to God on this, since there can be a tendency to relegate all secular service as belonging to the world that we are to remain separate from.
But where would Christians be without those who have obtained and preserved our freedom by fighting the battles necessary for it? Freedom is not the accepted norm of this world. History reveals that freedom only exists where people have properly fought for it. However, in our time, as nations are turning away from God, rather than a soldier being sent to fight a patriotic war, he may be bound to sacrifice himself for a political agenda instead. PRAY.
Veteran’s Day is celebrated with ceremony and, no doubt, many heartfelt and meaningful tributes. But Veteran’s Day passes.
What is there beyond the temporary moment of being honored? There can be the enduring honor of understanding, careful consideration and continue appreciation.
While citizens enjoy the comforts of life, soldiers are being trained to endure hardships by being subjected to hardships. For us to enjoy our freedom, they forgo their freedom to serve. For us to be healthy and whole, they subject their bodies to possible injury, pain, suffering, perhaps even permanent disability and/or death. In serving, they are displaced and engulfed with unimaginable loneliness, so others can enjoy the comforts of family and loved ones.
The circumstances that a soldier is subjected to changes their temperament, sensitivities, and subconsciousness. The impacts of their experiences may very well control them, rather than their ability to control the impacts.
Honor our veterans with the best understanding, consideration, and continue appreciation. They have borne heavy burdens for us.
SHARING
