Absorbing God’s Word
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13
Applying God’s Word
Last week, some folks in America were kind enough to honor everyone who is presently serving or who has served in the armed forces.
I used that day to honor my high school friends who served during the same time that I did. Many of them fought in Viet Nam and never came home. I was a Second-Class Radioman (E5) on a submarine called the USS Sea Cat. That was my home, for three years. Submarine duty was considered hazardous and yet I sensed that being under water was one of the safest places I could be.
I fondly remembered my father, grandfather, and Louise’s father. All four of us served in the Navy for a total of twenty years. Then I reflected on the hundreds of thousands who came home wounded or had laid down their lives so I could live free.
I finished the day by standing alongside other veteran’s as we saluted the lowering of the United States flag. As I stood there, I asked myself if I would still be willing to lay down my life to preserve freedom for our children and grandchildren. Yes, without hesitation.
Accounting of God’s Word
Have I enjoyed my freedom enough to lay down my life to preserve that freedom?