Paying the Price

Today, we set aside a national holiday to remember all those who have died either while serving our country’s military, or who have died since that service.

For most of us, it means the day off work or school, and a three-day weekend.

But it is also a really valuable time for reflection – to think about what it means to be willing to sacrifice everything for what you believe.

What would you fight for? What would you die for? For that matter, what are you living for?

Lots of people believe a lot of different things. And, we happen to live in a time and place where you can express those beliefs and opinions via internet comments or social media with very little risk of any real repercussion, save an unpopular response or a lack of “likes.”

But when it comes down to it, what would you really be willing to stake your life on?

What about your eternity?

Today, as we remember those who fought and died for our freedoms, maybe it’s also time to think about real freedom ourselves.

When was the last time you went to church? If you go regularly, when was the last time you invited someone?

I don’t know where you stand in what you believe, but let today be the day that you look for more than just this life and the pain and loss that surrounds us. If you don’t have a church, find one. Know what it’s like to know your Savior and to know the love of a church family.

And if you do have a church and a church family, it’s time to help that family grow. If there are people in your life that you love and care about who don’t go to church, it’s time to stand up and fight for them. Fight for their eternity.

Because faith matters. Faith in Jesus isn’t about some set of old-fashioned rules or way of controlling you. It’s about the greatest news ever given: that whatever things you’ve done, whatever things you’ve failed to do, God sent His Son to pay the price for those things – no matter how shameful or unforgivable they might look in your mind. Learn more about the One who died so that we would have life, and tell others what you know.

Thank God for the brave men and women who took a stand and paid the price for our freedom to go to church and change our eternity. Don’t you think it’s time you took a stand?