Freedom Is Not Free

Memorial Day 2006: what am I remembering today? I am remembering those who have died so that I might live free. Thank you for your sacrifice. I also remember the one who died so I may have spiritual freedom — thank you God for the sacrifice of your son Jesus Christ. In both cases someone had to die in order for others to be free. I don’t ever want to take for granted the freedom I have because that freedom is not free. I owe a debt I can never repay because freedom is not free. I pray that I will be responsible with the freedom I have and I pray that our nation never forget those who have given so much so that we might be free.

My dad wrote something for his congregation about Memorial Day. Here it is for you to read and think about today.

If you have never done so I encourage you to visit Fort Rosecran National Cemetery on Point Loma. (San Diego) It is an experience you will never forget. Take your children! Walk the rows of markers, look at the dates and understand the tremendous sacrifice made, not only by these men but by their families as well. Remember that “freedom is not free.” It cost a lot and in order to maintain it, it will cost a lot more. We must also understand that freedom is not licensed to do as I please, when I please. That is the road which will lead right back to bondage. Freedom requires us to do by choice that which no law can ever make us do.

There is another trip I would like for you to take with me. While we cannot go and see the greatest of these people, they, nonetheless, speak to us as clearly as a walk through one of our National Cemeteries. This list is found in the Bible, Hebrews chapter 11. I will not list the names here but when it is finished the writer says: “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”

By the way, I like to add a few names to that list. Names like my father’s and others I know who have gone on before us. I would encourage you to add your own list to that one. The names of people who influenced you in your Christian walk. After adding your list then read the next verses: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily in tangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and protector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 11:39-12:3 NIV) Let’s not forget this Memorial Day!

1 Comment

  1. Pastor Jack
    May 30, 2006

    Thanks, Daughter

    Hope you had a good time at JITB & DQ.

    Norm was confused about the days so we missed it.

    Love Ya

    POP