GIVING YOUR ALL

Since the Revolutionary War, 646,596 American troops have died in battle and more than 539,000 died from other, non-combat related causes.  On Memorial Day weekend, we take time to reflect, celebrate, and give thanks for these people who have given their lives in the defense of this nation since the birth of our country.  They gave their all, to make the ultimate sacrifice so millions of Americans could retain their freedom. They were fully committed to the cause of freedom.  As service members wearing the cloth of our nation, they put their own wants, desires, and their very lives secondary to the good of the American people.  They were all in.

           For most Americans, we commemorate the priceless sacrifice of these service members with a weekend barbecue, perhaps a moment of silence, and the unofficial start of summer. But, as we all bow our heads and reflect on what these heroes have done, we should also ask ourselves a tough question - Are we willing to be all in for our faith? Are we willing to lay aside our wants, desires, our wealth, our dreams, and perhaps our very lives for the God in whom we believe?  

            Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.   For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”  The enemy of our soul, the devil, constantly tries to persuade us to sin against God and give in to the desires of our flesh, rather than focusing on our Spirit. Satan has only come to steal, kill, and destroy but Jesus wants to give us life, an abundant life.

           As a combat veteran, I submit that the only way we can effectively fight and win against the devil is to be all in for Jesus and put on the full armor of God.  Corinthians 10:4-5 says, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge ofGod, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

           Only a small percentage of Americans will go to combat, and even fewer will be asked to go all in. But, as Christians, Jesus asks all of us to be all in for our faith.  His call is “Follow me”, regardless of the cost. Will you give Him total control of your life and stand up to be counted?  The journey of Christianity may not be easy, as giving our all may be more than we’re comfortable with sometimes, but the reward will be worth it.