God Bless the USA

I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the ones who died,
who gave their life for me.
God Bless the USA, Lee Greenwood, 1984

Yesterday was Memorial Day. This day is a day set aside to remember those who gave their lives for our country. This is a serious holiday for my husband, who is a Vietnam Veteran. His college (USMA) roommate was killed in Vietnam. Many of his classmates were killed as well, and he fought in Vietnam. He well knows the sacrifice.

The Bible tells us that "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) Our service men and woman show great courage and love for their country every day by offering their life not only for their "friends" but for all people of our country.

Lee Greenwood goes on to sing in his song, "the flag still stands for freedom, and they can't take that away." Truth is, freedom is fleeting and our country has to be vigilant to defend our freedom. There is only one freedom that we have that is permanent.

That is those of us who have been made free in Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin, but free to receive eternal life. The Bible says, "So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed." (John 8:36). True freedom comes from Jesus. And HE is the man who showed the greatest love by laying down his life for all mankind, if only they accept him as their savior.

It is a wonderful sentiment to say "God bless the USA!" But my prayer is that not only will God bless us, but that we may rise up and call him blessed as well. Amen.