A Great Cost

You, my brothers, were called to be free.

But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature;

 rather, serve one another in love.

Galatians 5:13

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,

As I awoke this morning I prepared breakfast for my family and our day was filled with cleaning, working, a trip to the lake, and dinner with family and friends. While I was busy throughout my day, a soldier woke up in a foreign country, dressed for battle, prepared his gear, and fought another day to protect my freedom.

and to the republic for which it stands,

Our republic stands on freedom and the rights of the people that live in this wonderful country, but our country only stands on these things because of the men and women who took a stand for this country.
In their stand, many men and women gave their life for this cause. They are not victims of war, but heroes who chose to live their life for a greater cause.

one nation under God,

Let us not forget that we, as a nation, are under God and not above him. The men and women who gave their life did so in order for us to worship God freely. Let us honor their lives by acknowledging and serving God.

indivisible

We should not be divided, but united in God. Just as the soldiers who fight for our freedom are united on the battlefield, we as Christians should be united in our service to God. Just as soldiers are called to serve, we, as children of God, are called to serve each day as well.
　
with liberty and justice for all.

As Americans we reap the benefits of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives. As Christians we reap the benefits of the sacrifice that God made by sending his son, Jesus Christ.
　
Just as a soldier puts on their attire to prepare them for battle, we too are also told to prepare each day for battle by putting on the Armor of God. Just as soldiers are called to a life of sacrifice and a life of service, we are also called to sacrifice and serve. Many soldiers give their life for their country, we, as Christians, are told to die to ourselves daily.
Let us never forget those that gave their lives in order for us to live in a country that embodies freedom, liberty, and justice. Let the sacrifice of these soldiers lives be a reminder to us each day that we are to do the same---we are sacrifice the life that we think we should have for the life that we are called to live, a life lived in service to others in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord!

Next time you stand, with hand over heart, to honor this great nation by reciting the words to the Pledge of Allegience be reminded that while we live in free country those words that you are saying comes with great cost----the sacrifice of many lives!

Say a prayer for our soldiers not just today, but everyday!