Earn This (Veterens Day Message)

No one enjoys suffering, but there is such a thing as counting it a privilege to suffer for a cause that is bigger than you…Paul counted it a privilege to suffer for the cause of Christ….our veterans count it a privilege to suffer for the cause of Freedom….and it takes courage to do both of those things…it takes a commitment….it takes a belief that what I’m doing is more important than what happens to me….. Do you feel that way about your Christian Faith?

Pastor Saaed in Iran…imprisoned because of his Faith (update)

Illustration: @ Branson on Friday, surrounded by veterans….. I wondered if we have another generation being raised up that will be willing to sacrifice as all those men and women did that were walking all around me on Friday? Are we raising up our children to be self-less? Do your kids and grandkids practice this Christian principle of self-sacrifice? Do they see you practice it?

The truth is our kids will do exactly what they see us do…isn’t that scary. What are they learning from you?

Veterans often speak of their pride in having worn the uniform, their pride in having served their country. It’s not a, “Look at me, I did this,” But it’s pride in being part of a unified force that stood firm in one spirit, fought side by side with one mind, knowing that the man beside you would be there for you. And they considered it a privilege to sacrifice and suffer for the cause, because it was bigger and better than they.

Paul’s intention was to encourage the Philippian Christians in the face of persecution. They were suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ. And that’s where the privilege lies.

When we profess our faith… When we state with integrity our belief, ridicule and pain and suffering may come our way. But the privilege comes in knowing that we stood firm…We fought side by side with one mind for something bigger and better than ourselves.

Parents, how many times have you saw your sick child and said, “I wish it were me”?

Your love is so deep that you would willingly volunteer to accept your child’s suffering for yourself. That’s what Jesus Christ did! And that’s the commitment and the privilege that comes with suffering.

CLOSING:

“Saving Private Ryan” ends by flashing forward about 50 years. Private Ryan is now an old man.

He is standing with his family among thousands of white crosses in a cemetery for those killed in WW II.

He’s standing at the graveside of Hanks’ character, remembering those events in France.

And with tears running down his face… He turns to his wife and asks, “Did I earn it?”

Amen.