In2theRiver

Good morning from Westminster, MD!

Someone once said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This person was not just being theoretical or philosophical. No, not long after stating these now famous words he would in fact lay down his life for his friends and so many others. This person was Jesus and, depending on your belief system, you, like me, might view him as your savior. That statement, recorded by his follower and friend John (John 15:13), is about you if you consider yourself a Follower of Christ.

How meaningful is it to know that someone was willing to die so that you could fully live? What drives a person to do something so sacrificial and radical? Well, as Jesus stated, it starts with love. His love for us, all of us, drove him to lay down his life on our behalf. But why? So that we could live. Not only did Jesus demonstrate his love in that moment, but he also demonstrated a belief that we were worth dying for. To say it another way, Jesus believed in us and that we were made for something more. Jesus had and still has incredible hope for us. This should change the way we live and see ourselves.

As we prepare to celebrate Memorial Day in the United States of America, these words of Jesus have something to teach us. This resonates even a little more as the United States prepares to pass it’s 250th year of independence as a nation. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.” On Memorial Day, we remember and the lives of those who of those who have died in service to the United States as members of the military. This celebration is not a political statement but rather a recognition of people who were willing to put themselves in harm’s way so that others could live. Does this sound familiar? While I am not comparing their sacrifice to that of Jesus, the truths of Jesus’ words still apply.

People join the military for many different reasons. However, regardless of their motive, they all take an oath. In this oath, they swear to support and defend the constitution of the United States as well as to be prepared to give their lives in defense of the country and its way of life. This is not something to be taken lightly. It is also not something we should take for granted as people who live in the United States of America. In deciding to take that oath, they are putting our lives ahead of theirs. In many ways, whether they agree with us, vote the same way we do, or even know who we are, service members who have taken the oath to join the United States Military are saying, “You are worth it.” This should make a difference in our lives.

It becomes even more interesting when you reflect on those who chose to fight for the independence of the United States 250 years ago. While their sacrifice was not greater or necessarily more significant than the those who have given their lives since, it is quite remarkable. How much would you have to believe in something to give your life for it before it even exists? This was in many ways what people did when they fought on behalf of the United States of America in the Revolutionary War. Sure, they had a way of life to defend, but what they were really fighting for was still far off. It was their belief in a different kind of country that drove them to be willing to sacrifice their lives. While imperfect then and still a work in progress today, they believed in the “Great Experiment” as America was once described. They had great hope for what was possible and our lives are better for it.

As we honor the lives of all who have given it all so that we may live, it would do us well to reflect on their sacrifice. Do you see yourself as valuable enough for someone to die so that you could live? Jesus did and it made an eternal difference. As did the many people who have died in defense of the United States. This should lead us to take full advantage of the life we have been given. You are worth it.

I hope you take the opportunity this Memorial Day to appreciate the sacrifices that have been made on your behalf and to choose to live fully into your God-given potential. Happy Memorial Day!

James Belt

Click here for more resources to help you bring hope to others, including more information about my book, Hope Realized!