Appreciating Sacrifice

Veterans Day appears on our calendars each November. While Memorial Day specifically honors members of the military who have died, Veterans Day honors all who have served. This holiday began as Armistice Day, created in 1919 by President Wilson as a time set aside to reflect upon the selfless heroism of the Americans who died in the Great War. The timing formally recognized as the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month marks the anniversary of the signing of the armistice which ended the first World War in 1918. In 1926, with the help of Congress and President Coolidge, Armistice Day officially became a legal holiday. However, in 1954, President Eisenhower renamed the holiday “Veterans Day” in order to account for all veterans in all wars. All Americans ought to be grateful for this noble tradition of honorable service.

Too often sacrifice is not properly appreciated. This can occur with small everyday sacrifices made by our family and friends, great sacrifices made by men and women in the military, or even the incredible sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We must be diligent to acknowledge, remember, and respond appropriately to these demonstrations of devotion and care. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.” (Jn. 15:13).

Sacrifice demonstrates love. Many will claim a certain level of devotion but sacrifice manifests evidence of the truth of love. Can a husband claim to care for his wife while not lifting a finger to assist her? Similarly, it is easy to say “Lord, Lord” without actually doing anything (Mt. 7:21). God’s love was demonstrated in the death of Jesus (Rom. 5:8; 1 Jn. 4:19). This is the same love we are called to show to others (Jn. 13:34-35; 1 Jn. 3:16). Do we properly recognize sacrificial acts of love?

Sacrifice relates to greatness. The strong have ability to give to the weak. The riches of Christ have been extended to poor humanity (2 Cor. 8:9; Php. 4:19). He paid to redeem us when we were “without strength” (Rom. 5:6; Tit. 2:14). Similarly, we are to use our blessing to bless others (2 Cor. 1:3-4). Those who are greedy and selfish would never think of sacrificing for another. They think only of hoarding resources to themselves, but such will never create lasting strength (Lk. 12:15-21; 1 Tim. 6:17). Jesus taught that true greatness is found in service (Mt. 23:11-12; Jn. 13:13-14).

Sacrifice motivates more service. When we look to the sacrifices others have made, we are motivated to do the same. How many enlist in the armed forces because of someone important to them who inspires them? Our spiritual model is service. Christ has called on us to follow His example (Jn. 13:15; 1 Pet. 2:21). The New Testament presents a beautiful picture of the church, each member readily living for and sacrifice for one another (Gal. 5:13; Col. 3:9-13; 1 Pet. 4:8-10). May we appreciate the sacrifices made for us and do the same for others!