I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.  This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you to do.  John 15:11-14 HCSB

We often hear it said that freedom is not free. A price must be paid. Today we celebrate the brave men and women of our military that lost their lives in order that we may have freedom. Our scripture passage today tells us that there is no greater love than someone who would lay down their lives for their friends.

Jesus laid down His life that we may be free from sin and that we may escape the torment of hell and spend eternity in heaven. Their truly is no greater love nor is there any greater gift. When you think about this, remember that Jesus was fully man and fully God. This means that He didn’t want to go through the physical and emotional pain and suffering that He knew He would endure on the cross. If you will recall, He cried out to God in Luke 22:42 “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me-nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.”  

My stepson spent 6 years in the military and was eager to deploy. He thought that they were going to several times, but it didn’t happen. He chose not to re-enlist and his unit is now deployed. I know that he would love to be there with them. He, like his dad, is a police officer and they love to serve. Not for the down time, but they love the time that is active. Most join the military, the police force, the fire department for those times that they are active in their duty. For police officers it’s the adrenaline of a fight, a chase or shots fired. For the fireman it’s running into the flames. For the military it is being there in the war zone. These men and women are not suicidal, they don’t want to die, but they are willing to die if that is what their service requires of them. They are willing to give all.

I thank God that He sent His son to give all that I may be free from the bondage of sin and death. But I must not forget that there is a price that I must pay as well. Yesterday we studied yielding to others in humility. That is never easy to do. If you work one of those jobs where your life is on the line, you are probably even more resistant to yielding. I know I used to be. But it’s our job to save others who are lost in a perverted and crooked world. It’s our job to be the light that guides others to Christ (Philippians 2:13-15).

In order to do so, we must surrender. The soldier and the first responders give up time with family and friends. They give up weekends, nights, and holidays to serve and to protect us against our enemies. If we want the freedom that comes with being a child of God, we must give up the things that displeases Him. Our scripture passage says that we will be His friends if we follow His commands.

Many brave young men and women give their lives to provide us with freedom and security. Jesus gave His life that we may have everlasting life (John 3:16). Are you willing to give your life so that your joy may be complete in Him? Let that one sink in for a minute. Others gave their physical lives to save us. Jesus gave his physical life to save us. Are you willing to give up your life of sin so that your joy may be complete? He doesn’t ask us to die on a cross, he simply asks us to rid our lives of the habitual sin that is causing us problems. The joy we receive is so much better than the sin that has enslaved us. Are you willing to trade your sin for joy? It seems like a no brainer, right? No one is asking you to run into gun fire, a burning building or stand on the front line, Jesus is just asking you to obey His commands. Are you willing to do that today? Are you willing to pay that small price for your own personal freedom? It’s a real bargain if you know what I mean.

Have a Happy Memorial Day!