Two weeks ago, I attended a High School graduation ceremony at a Christian High School. While there, an incident occurred that I didn’t even give thought to until my wife asked me some time later if I had noticed it. Ever since she brought this incident to my attention, I haven’t stopped thinking about it. Here’s what happened.
As the graduating seniors were being introduced, some received special honors while others had their life-plans announced. One young man received a special award for being the best “Bible student and Christian example” at the school. For this, he received what I would call, “polite applause.” Another young man revealed that it was his plans to get a Bible degree and spend his life preaching and doing mission work. Again, “polite applause.” Then another young man announced his plans to enter the military to which he received a standing ovation.
Now, if you think I was opposed to the young man who was planning to enter the military receiving a standing ovation, you’re mistaken. I feel it was totally appropriate. Nationalism and patriotism run deep within me. I was among the number of those who stood and applauded. But here’s the question that has nagged at me ever since. If dedicating one’s life to the service of one’s country deserved a standing ovation, then how much more would the dedication of one’s life to the kingdom of God deserve a standing ovation? Yet, among all those Christians present, myself included, we remained seated and politely clapped.
As I said, this incident has nagged at me and caused me to do a lot of reflection. I share it with you as a simple reminder of how easy it is, even for a group of Christians, to allow our priorities to get fuzzy and get caught up more by the temporal than the eternal. Give is some thought.
Jesus the Messiah is the only one who died for real freedom. I love & appreciate our veterans, but the last thing your govt cares about is “freedom”…just ask a Vietnam veteran.
While serving our country is very noble, the most patriotic thing a person can do for our country is preach the gospel and raise up a faithful family for God.
Isaiah 55:12 “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands
Psalm 47:1 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy
Steve, there are other verses with the same thought, if nature itself shall clap their hands, and all people clap and shout to God with loud songs of joy….then why should we not be able to do so? God judges the heart…..it is a way we show our appreciation…not so much anymore because we are afraid what others are going to think! When one gives their life to the Lord in baptism…I find myself wanting to clap my hands…but do not. Little does anyone know I do in my heart….well now everyone knows. God Bless.