I have lots of questions about the wisdom of Christians participating in the military. Some of those I’ve voiced here in the Kitchen, others I haven’t.
At the same time, I have nothing but respect for the people who have served in the military (and serve, I should add). I may not agree with their decision, but I respect it and admire them for their courage. Few of them have done so out of selfish motives; many did so out of a sense of duty and real desire to protect the things that they value.
Lots of friends and family members have served in the military, both here and in other countries. I lost an uncle in World War II. The toll that took on my family, especially my grandmother, was enormous. My grandmother had 6 sons in the military. She bore a tremendous burden.
Today is not a day to argue the rights and wrongs of military service. Today is a day to remember those who have paid the terrible cost of losing a loved one in war. May our prayers surround them.
My Father and my God, I thank you for your Son who paid the price for our freedom. Today, as so many remember those who have died in the wars of this world, I pray for those around the globe who have lost loved ones to that horror. Surround them with your comfort. Father, please bring peace to our world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
{photo by Daniel Wildman, sxc.hu}
Hmmm?
If not today then what day?
If it’s wrong it’s wrong and certainly on the day that glorifies that which is considered ethically or morally wrong or even what some might say is unscriptural would be the perfect day to discuss it.
Kinda like carrying a flag in a Gay Pride Parade and then preaching against homosexuality the other 364 days ;)
Just a thought.
I was intentional in the wording of my prayer at the end of the post. Jesus died to secure my freedom. But I feel for those who have lost loved ones to the horrors of war. And I do admire the courage and unselfishness of those that serve.
When someone is remembering the loss of a loved one, that’s not the time to question the motives behind what they did. I don’t see that as analogous to showing open support for something, then criticizing it.
I’d be curious to know if others saw it the same way.
Grace and peace,
Tim
Don, are you really suggesting that the day of someone’s funeral is the perfect day to discuss their failures with their loved ones?
Memorial Day is not a “rah rah, ain’t war great?” holiday. Gay Pride Day is far more comparable to American Independence Day than it is to Memorial Day. The gay community does traditionally have a day when they grieve for those who have died, and I wouldn’t address their sins on that day either.
Memorial Day is the day we honor those who laid down their lives. It is the day we remember the price of war. I’m probably the biggest “pacifist” at my congregation, but I wept for the parents and brothers and sisters and children left behind by the life-sacrifice of soldiers, and I would stand boldly between them and anyone who would choose that day to undermine their memory by questioning the validity of their sacrifice.