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From Sons of Thunder to the Apostle of Love

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Zeal in doing the will of the Lord is a truly admirable quality. In fact, the apostle Paul encouraged Christians to be “zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14, New King James Version). The apostles themselves were reminded of this quality when they witnessed Jesus cleansing the temple, recalling the words, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up” (John 2:13–17; cf. Psalm 69:9). Seeing the Lord’s wholehearted devotion to His Father’s will ought to inspire each of us to cultivate that same kind of zeal in our own service to God.

However, I also recognize that zeal can be misguided when it is not grounded in a proper knowledge of God’s will (Romans 10:2). Therefore, I pray not only for greater zeal but also for the wisdom to direct that zeal in the right way. In the original language of the New Testament, the word translated zeal carries the idea of earnest eagerness or fervent devotion. Such eagerness may express itself in different ways, but it must always be governed by God’s truth.

Looking at the Gospel accounts, I see that James and John were two brothers who exemplified zeal. Jesus even nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17). On one occasion, however, their zeal was misguided. When a Samaritan village refused to receive Jesus, they asked, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” (Luke 9:51–56). Even so, they remained in fellowship with Jesus, who loved them deeply. Rather than rejecting or extinguishing their zeal, Jesus patiently corrected them, so that they would reflect God’s will instead, of mere impulse.

After the Great Commission was given and the apostles began preaching in the name of Jesus, James became the first of the apostles to be martyred (Acts 12:1–2). His zeal for the Lord remained steadfast, even in the face of persecution, exemplifying those who suffer “for righteousness’ sake” (Matthew 5:10). I pray that my own zeal will likewise be marked by such love and devotion to God, remaining faithful even if it should one day cost me my life (Revelation 2:10).

On the other hand, James’ brother John was the only apostle who was not martyred for his faith. He lived to an old age and, during the reign of Domitian, was exiled to the island of Patmos because of his unwavering testimony of Christ. Before his exile, John wrote the Gospel of John and later authored three epistles that consistently emphasized the importance of commitment to the truth and genuine love for fellow Christians (John 8:31-32; 1 John 3:18-23). While on Patmos, he received the Revelation of Jesus Christ and recorded it (Revelation 1:9). After his exile ended, early Christian tradition suggests that John returned to Ephesus, where he continued to encourage his brethren. He became especially known for his emphasis on the idea that love for one another must always accompany faithfulness to God’s truth.

Interestingly, while the apostle John was once ready to rain down fire and brimstone on the Samaritans, later in life, he stood firmly for the truth while also promoting brotherly love. There is no compromising of truth within John’s message; however, he grew to embody a great balance between his zeal for the Lord and his love for others! True love certainly entails caring enough for someone’s soul to speak whatever is necessary for their edification, but it also requires the type of tenderness that shines through in his epistles. 

For these reasons, I pray to God Almighty: help me grow in my zeal! I want to express this zeal with both the proper knowledge and wisdom, as I wish to be the person You want me to be in every one of my interactions with others. Help me to discern when to speak with firmness, and when to approach others more tenderly, O God (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). 

Father, may I never compromise Your truth, for Your word is truth (John 17:17). May I be zealous for good works… And may I also be a good example for others, glorifying You in this way (Matthew 5:16). May Your people, everywhere, be (properly) zealous for good works (Titus 2:14; Romans 10:2). Amen.

If Falling Away Is Impossible, Why So Many Warnings?

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Suppose someone told you it is impossible for a Christian to lose his salvation. If that were true, perhaps this question should naturally follow: Why then does the New Testament contain so many warnings about falling away? Not just one or two difficult passages, but warning after warning addressed to Christians, churches, elders, and even the apostles. If apostasy is impossible, these repeated exhortations become difficult to explain.

Far from teaching that salvation can never be lost, Jesus repeatedly warned His disciples about the danger of falling away. While describing the persecution His followers would endure, He warned that many would be offended, betray one another, and allow their love to grow cold. His conclusion was straightforward: “But he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13b, New King James Version). The promise of salvation is given to those who endure faithfully until the end, not to those who abandon their faith.

The Parable of the Sower raises an equally important question. Jesus spoke of those who “receive the word with joy,” who “believe for a while,” and then “in time of temptation fall away” (Luke 8:13). These are not described as unbelievers pretending to have faith. Jesus said they believed. If they only appeared to believe, then the warning loses much of its force. Instead, Christ presents a belief that does not endure because the heart was never deeply rooted.

The same emphasis appears in John 15. Jesus compared Himself to a vine and His disciples to its branches. A branch cannot be cut off from a vine unless it was first attached to it. Yet Jesus warned, “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch… and they gather them and throw them into the fire” (John 15:6). Rather than assuring His disciples that departure was impossible, He urged them to continue abiding in Him.

The apostles preached the same message. After Judas died, the disciples described him as one who “by transgression fell” from his ministry (Acts 1:25). Paul warned Gentile Christians not to become arrogant because unbelieving Jews had been cut off. “Toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off” (Romans 11:22). The condition is difficult to miss. Continue, or be cut off.

Perhaps even more striking is Paul’s attitude toward himself. After preaching the gospel to countless people, he wrote, “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest… I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27). Paul did not believe his own apostleship placed him beyond spiritual danger. If the apostle saw a real need for vigilance, why should modern Christians believe they are exempt?

Paul immediately illustrated his point by turning to Israel’s history. The Israelites had experienced God’s deliverance, passed through the sea, and received His blessings, yet many fell because of unbelief. Those events, Paul says, “were written for our admonition.” His conclusion is not, “Do not worry because you cannot fall,” but exactly the opposite: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Warnings have meaning only when the danger is real.

This same pattern continues throughout Paul’s letters. The Corinthians were reminded that the gospel saves them “if you hold fast” to it (1 Corinthians 15:2). The Colossians would be presented holy and blameless before God “if indeed you continue in the faith” (Colossians 1:23). Scripture repeatedly attaches promises to diligence, not because salvation is earned, but because faith is meant to endure.

No New Testament book contains stronger warnings than Hebrews. The writer tells fellow Christians, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12). He urges them to be diligent “lest anyone fall” (Hebrews 4:11). In Hebrews 6, he describes people who had been enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift, become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and then “fall away” (Hebrews 6:4-6). Whatever difficulties that passage presents, one fact remains obvious: the writer believed falling away was a danger serious enough to warn Christians about, repeatedly.

Peter does the same. He urges Christians to “make your call and election sure,” adding, “if you do these things you will never stumble” (2 Peter 1:10). Later he speaks of people who had “forsaken the right way” (2 Peter 2:15). John likewise calls Christians to ongoing repentance (1 John 1:9-10), while Jesus tells the church at Ephesus that they had “fallen” and must repent (Revelation 2:4-5). He promises the overcomer that his name will not be blotted from the Book of Life (Revelation 3:5), a promise that would seem unnecessary if overcoming were guaranteed.

None of this diminishes God’s grace. Christians are not kept saved by flawless obedience, nor do they earn salvation by their own merit. Every faithful disciple continues to depend completely on the mercy of God and the blood of Christ. At the same time, the New Testament never treats faith as a one-time event, disconnected from the rest of a person’s life. Instead, it consistently instructs us to continue, remain, abide, endure, overcome, and hold fast.

Scripture leaves no doubt that God is faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). Yet the New Testament also addresses another reality: Christians are warned not to turn away from Christ. If it were impossible for a believer to fall away, we would expect the inspired writers to say so plainly. Instead, they consistently warn Christians about the danger of abandoning the faith—the very possibility that the doctrine of “once saved, always saved” denies.

The Strongest Defense Is a Faithful Life

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Few passages in the New Testament have generated as much discussion in apologetic circles as 1 Peter 3:15. Many readers approach this verse as a mandate to create sophisticated arguments, defend the existence of God, or engage skeptics in formal debate. While such discussions of the faith undoubtedly have value, was that Peter’s primary concern?

To understand the true meaning of any passage, we must consider its historical and literary context. Peter’s call for Christians to give a “defense” was not primarily concerned with constructing sophisticated apologetic arguments or engaging in formal philosophical disputes. Rather, it served as an exhortation for persecuted believers to maintain a resilient, Christ-centered hope amid unjust suffering. Their steadfast faith would naturally prompt others to ask about the source of their confidence, providing opportunities to explain the hope they possessed in Christ.

As Peter addressed the scattered Christians in Asia Minor, he instructed them in the previous verse on how to respond to hostile neighbors: “Do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled” (v. 14). His primary concern was their response to intimidation and suffering, urging them not to be overcome by fear or anxiety, but to remain steadfast in their trust in God.

Observers might notice something remarkable about these individuals: despite their unjust suffering, faithful Christians remained resilient and did not succumb to despair. While their hope was rooted in the truth of the gospel, Peter emphasized how that hope was visibly expressed in daily life. Their endurance amid adversity would naturally lead others to wonder why they remained so hopeful despite their circumstances.

The term “defense,” translated from the Greek word apologia, often refers to a legal defense or reasoned reply. In this context, it emphasizes the believer’s readiness to explain the hope that sustains faithful endurance, even at great personal cost.

In summary, thoughtful reasoning certainly has its place, but the deeper meaning of 1 Peter 3:15 becomes much clearer when we examine it in context. Furthermore, understanding the context helps us grasp the principles God intended to communicate rather than allowing later concerns to overshadow Peter’s original emphasis. Peter focused on encouraging suffering Christians to remain fearless, keep Christ central in their hearts, and be ready to explain the hope that sustained them through difficult times.

This principle is still relevant today. We need to understand our faith, but it is equally important to demonstrate a hope that persists even when we face difficult circumstances. Responding with gentleness, faith, and grace in the midst of suffering can serve as a powerful testimony, prompting others to inquire about the source of our confidence in God. In essence, 1 Peter 3:15 teaches us that the strongest defense of our faith lies not just in our arguments, but in how we live when following Christ requires sacrifice.

Seeing Through the Illusion of Success

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Like many in Proverbs, chapter 24 is filled with various subjects emphasizing the necessity of utilizing the wisdom from above. In this chapter, readers are instructed to avoid envying the wicked (vv. 1-2, 19-20). It can surely be tempting to admire the lifestyles of some who seem to be doing well materially, but their paths are destructive, and their futures are unstable. God warns that the mere appearance of success does not equate to proper security! 

Our children desperately need to learn this lesson. When they see influential figures on social media, athletes, actors, and musicians seemingly living lives filled with luxury and excitement, it can be enticing to chase after such things. However, such experiences are fleeting! Adults also need to be aware of this lesson, and keep it at the forefront of their minds. Many in positions of power—such as politicians, employers, and successful businesspeople—might appear to be thriving outwardly, but inwardly, they may be lacking!! 

Reading the Proverbs helps maintain the proper focus. Verses 3-7 explain that wisdom builds and sustains life. A house (symbolizing life, family, or community) is established through wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. Wise individuals possess strength, while fools lack the insight necessary for leadership and counsel. 

The chapter also warns against taking pleasure in others’ misfortunes (vv. 17-18). We need to be cautious not to celebrate the downfall of even our enemies, as God disapproves of a vengeful attitude. This highlights that emotional self-discipline is an essential aspect of wisdom. While popular media often portrays revenge as something virtuous, the Bible clearly instructs us to avoid harboring a vindictive spirit, even toward those who oppose us.

Further teachings in the chapter emphasize the importance of honoring God and authorities (verses 21-22). Rebellion brings severe penalties. In our country, it’s easy to take our rights as citizens for granted. However, if we are to honor God truly, we must honor those in positions of authority. Though some in power may not be spiritually aligned with God, we can still respect their office, pray for them, and speak of them with respect (ultimately submitting ourselves to God in every aspect of life). 

This chapter is so rich with wisdom; it also includes additional sayings on justice and work (verses 23-34). These concluding sayings highlight that partiality in judgment is wrong, and stress the importance of honesty in giving correction and/or blessings. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the consequences of laziness, illustrated by the sluggard’s overgrown field, where poverty creeps in gradually like a thief. God’s people should be among the most industrious and hard-working individuals we know!!

There is so much to gain from meditating on Scriptures like these. May our meditation on the book of Proverbs sink deep into our hearts. As we demonstrate diligence in all things about the Lord, let us avoid gloating over others’ misfortunes, trust in God as the righteous judge, and cherish wisdom that comes from above. May we be courageous in times of trouble, while ever finding contentment in what God provides. Amen.

Wisdom for Every Aspect of Life

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With the book of Proverbs, we encounter various aspects of life that call for the seeking and treasuring of wisdom, especially when contrasted with foolishness. As I have been reading through this portion of Scripture, a consistent theme is emerging rather than just short, pithy statements addressing the seemingly unrelated aspects of life. I’m wondering if these various life aspects are presented to illustrate that every area of our lives should be guided by wisdom! 

We are certainly given information that emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom from above, in everything we do. For instance, consider the warnings against gluttony and overindulgence, whether in food or drink (Prov. 23:1). Wisdom calls for restraint, reminding us that overindulgence leads to poverty and sorrow (vv. 2-3, 20-21). Could even the more mundane choices we make, such as how we respond even to the food set before us, be influenced by wisdom that comes from above?! 

Another subject that we revisit in Proverbs 23 deals with the deceptive nature of wealth. We are advised to caution against pursuing material wealth excessively, as riches are fleeting and unreliable (vv. 4-5). Isn’t it sad to observe how many people are distracted by the pursuit of earthly wealth, risking their very souls for a bigger boat, a larger house, and more possessions? 

Additionally, there is wisdom regarding how to discipline one’s children. A wise parent corrects their child to guide them toward righteousness and away from destruction (vv. 12-14). The chapter highlights the deep joy parents experience when their children walk in truth, reflecting the generational blessings of godly living (vv. 15-16, 24-25). There are also warnings against associating closely with sinners, along with instruction regarding the chaos that drunkenness leads to—confusion, pain, and moral decay that blinds one to reality (vv. 6-8, 17-18, 29-35). 

Additionally, we are urged to maintain reverence for the Lord and not be swayed by the apparent success of those who sin (v. 18). Indeed, Proverbs 23 reminds us that this book is filled with wisdom applicable to every facet of life!! Being sober-minded and singularly focused on God helps us prioritize our motives for work, how we choose to entertain ourselves, and even how we fuel our bodies with food!!! Like other passages in Scripture, we often emphasize that the repetition of various principles is intended to capture our attention. With the teaching presented in this book, we see multiple subjects revisited over and over again. That should mean something to us!

Oh God Almighty, I give you my whole heart (v. 26)! I want to observe your ways in all phases of my existence. May you rule over me, and enable me, to be a good steward in EVERY ASPECT of my life!! I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Contentment, Correction, and the Power of Words

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Proverbs 15 continues to highlight contrasts between wisdom and folly, particularly through speech, attitudes, and responses to correction. The power of words is emphasized; they can either heal or harm, calm or provoke. A soft answer turns away wrath, while a harsh word stirs up anger. Wise people use their words to build up others, offering encouragement and speaking truthfully. The tongue of the wise is described as a tree of life, reflecting how life-giving speech originates from a heart filled with wisdom (vv. 1-4, 7, 23, 26, 28). 

Oh Lord, grant me the wisdom and the ability to speak in a more appropriate manner. I want to communicate truth in love and strive to be more like You in my interactions (Eph. 4:15, 29). 

Proverbs 15 is also rich in practical wisdom for daily life and relationships, particularly regarding receiving correction and instruction. The fool despises correction, but the wise recognize it as a path to growth. Listening to reproof leads to understanding and, ultimately, to life itself. This chapter portrays teachability as a hallmark of wisdom and underscores the importance of humility before instruction, which reflects a proper fear of the Lord (vv. 5, 10, 12, 31-33). 

Father, please have mercy on me and correct me as You see fit. Please do not rebuke me in Your anger (Psa. 38:1). I have an open heart that is willing to be molded (Isa. 64:8). Help me also to know when I should relent, versus standing firm in my convictions. 

There is also much said in Proverbs 15 about joy and contentment within the heart. A cheerful heart brings life, while a crushed spirit saps it away (vv. 13-15). True happiness flows from righteousness, peace, and godly relationships, rather than from material gain (vv. 16-17). 

Oh Father, please help my wife, my children, and me to be content with what You provide. May we be good stewards of the blessings You grant us. Grant me, also, wisdom and courage to utilize those blessings fully and to enjoy what is set before me here and now (Matt. 25:14-30; 1 Cor. 4:1-2; 1 Pet. 4:10). 

You are the great and awesome God of heaven and earth. I bow before You, asking that You would shape me, and refine me, through Your correction (Heb. 12:3-11). May I also be open to the counsel of others in my sphere of influence, that their words may provide sound guidance (Prov. 15:22). I pray through Your Son, Jesus Christ, and in His name, I give thanks for these things (Col. 3:17). Please bless us as we seek Your guidance. Amen.

When We Refuse to Learn

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In Proverbs 14, the term “fool” is used to describe one who refuses to learn from the lessons right before them (vv. 6, 9, 16). A fool may fail to recognize the pitfalls that lie directly ahead, make the same mistakes repeatedly, and never learn the obvious lessons needed to avoid those paths. Moreover, one may deliberately choose to ignore the wise counsel given to them! By rejecting the guidance that God has set before them, they therefore decide to be foolish!! We must be cautious, as we may find ourselves on that path in certain aspects of our lives, even if we demonstrate wisdom in other areas. If that is the case, let us heed the advice and turn away from foolishness (vv. 7, 8). 

The book of Proverbs also addresses the simple-minded individual — one who has not yet learned life’s lessons (v. 18). This person may be ignorant due to youth, having had too few experiences to make wise decisions. The simple-minded individual may also be ignorant because they are not paying attention to their surroundings, failing to see the evident pitfalls. The simple-minded person tends to be too trusting or may not consider the long-term consequences of their actions (vv. 12, 15)! We are urged to wake up and be alert to the lessons around us.

Each of us has our areas of ignorance, so let us respond to the call for acquiring wisdom. The wise individual has learned the lessons of life, benefiting from both their own mistakes and those of others. The truly wise person discerns life’s priorities, basing their wisdom on a solid foundation rooted in the fear of the Lord (vv. 26, 27). The wisdom recommended is wisdom from above; it begins with reverence for God and sets our feet on the path toward true happiness, both in this life and in eternity (vv. 14, 32).

“A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge is easy to him who understands.

Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.

The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.

Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor.”

~ Proverbs 14:6-9, New King James Version

Use, Grow, Fulfill Your Potential

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Pictured from left to right: Adam Willingham, Justin Lewis, Bob Waldron, Ian Rice, and Butch Morgan. Seated is the late Jimmy Johnson.

King Solomon wrote, “Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for that is the end of all men; and the living will take it to heart.” (Ecclesiastes 7:2). Death became a significant part of Bob Waldron’s life, and one day, our own death will become part of our life story as well. It is wise for us to reflect on this!

I first met Brother Waldron at the funeral for Sister Rosa Lee Putnel in Ft Meade, FL, where he invited me to a Bible study. The following morning, I drove over two hours to meet him in Dade City. I had been preaching in my first full-time position for five months, but I felt a deep sense of inadequacy regarding my Bible knowledge. I had been fervently praying for God to provide me with what I needed to grow spiritually. During that first Bible study, I opened up to Brother Waldron about my feelings of inadequacy. To my surprise, he did not rebuke me! Instead, he offered to become my mentor and explained that he had some tools that could help me both immediately and in the long term, provided I committed to using them. Just as I began to feel immense gratitude, he admonished me to take our time and efforts together seriously. The tone was set, leading to seven of the most spiritually enriching years of my life! Through his teaching, example, encouragement, and nurturing, Brother Waldron challenged me to bring my best to the table consistently. I am eternally grateful for that! Moreover, he embraced my wife and children as family, enabling our collective growth in ways beyond measure.

Among the many things I cherish, I always knew I could rely on him for sound counsel during troubling circumstances. I was consistently amazed by his wisdom. On one occasion, after I remarked on how wise he was, he humbly responded that he was taking the information I shared and responding with spiritual principles from God’s Word that best fit the scenario. This revelation was an epiphany for me, and many similar moments left a profound impact.

After seven years of intense mentorship, Brother Waldron had to scale back due to health issues. By this time, he had become more than a mentor; he had become a father figure to me. I was still blessed to visit him for many years after, drawing on his wisdom and influence through close, personal contact. However, as his health declined, I felt a significant change in our dynamic and struggled mightily with this transition.

Among Remarkable Men
Moses was a remarkable man who influenced many in his generation, and his work continues to impact others. He had Joshua to assist him, and eventually, Joshua would lead God’s people into battle. Those years of working with Moses certainly prepared Joshua for such responsibility.

Elijah was another remarkable man whose influence remains significant. He prepared Elisha to carry on the prophetic work, and Elisha held Elijah in high esteem.

The Apostle Paul was yet another remarkable figure whose influence continues today. A large part of Paul’s work involved training Timothy to take care of what had been entrusted to him and to commit those teachings to faithful men who would, in turn, be able to teach others.

Bob Waldron is a remarkable man of our generation. His influence is deeply ingrained, and his work will continue to inspire many. He worked diligently to prepare others for battle, to take up the mantle, and to teach others!

Yet, there is another common thread among these examples that is paramount! Before Moses died, he commended the children of Israel, including Joshua, to the word of the LORD (Deut. 30:11-14). Before Elijah ascended to heaven, Elisha requested a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, and Elijah guided Elisha to seek God’s will in the matter (2 Kings 2:9-11). Before his departure, Paul encouraged Timothy by directing him to the Lord and His Word (2 Tim. 1:6-7; 3:14-17).

In his efforts, Brother Waldron too pointed us to the Lord. Consider this quote from Bob and Sandra Waldron’s book, “Go Tell the Good News,” regarding 2 Timothy 3:14-17: “Here in Paul’s last letter, he makes one of the most inclusive, strongest affirmations of the inspiration of the scriptures to be found in the whole Bible. All scripture is inspired. Timothy, you have everything you need in order to be equipped for every good work. Paul would no longer be available to advise Timothy, but he had all the wisdom of God within his grasp. We, too, have that same word of God in our hands – with the same blessings it provided for Timothy. Let us remember to use it wisely.”

Before his passing, I had an opportunity to visit with Brother Waldron. And at that particular time, I was feeling very weak, grasping for more of his wisdom. Recognizing my situation, he shared words that I hold dear: “Don’t sell yourself short, nor underestimate your abilities. Use your knowledge. Grow your knowledge. Fulfill your potential!”

Brother Waldron, I will always cherish our friendship.

May God grant us all the strength to serve the Almighty, and our generation, to the best of our abilities (Acts 13:36).

Modern Temple Worship

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While it's wise to take care of our bodies, we should not "worship" the "temple" itself.

During the reign of Josiah, the temple in Jerusalem required extensive repairs due to severe neglect (2 Chron. 34:10). Fast forward to the days of Jesus, when the Herodian temple stood in all its splendor. Many were proud of the temple’s presence, but they had not learned from past generations who believed that the temple alone would provide them with spiritual security (Matt. 24:1-2; Jer. 7:1-11). 

Christians are to abstain from actions that would defile our bodies, and that involves recognizing our bodies as temples of God (1 Cor. 6:19-20). It’s essential to take care of our bodies. Yet, we must be cautious about the tendency to “worship” the “temple” God has given us. 

It is significant to remember that our bodies are to be used for God’s glory, and we should strive to use what He has entrusted to us as instruments of righteousness (Rom. 6:13). And it’s wise to consider the long-term use of our bodies; for instance, maintaining good health can help us keep up with our children, grandchildren, and beyond. Having strength and endurance enables us to care for ourselves and make the most of our time on earth. 

But, while I abstain from things that would defile, I wonder if some people have unhealthy obsessions with their bodies, to the extent that they almost worship them. For example, if I become hyper-focused on what I eat or constantly work out to achieve a certain appearance, could that be a result of pride or vanity? There’s nothing wrong with trying to look and feel our best. However, fixating on our physical health can become an unhealthy obsession. 

The fitness and entertainment industries are booming. While it’s wise to take care of our bodies, we should not “worship” the “temple” itself. Let us labor for the food that never perishes, concentrating our efforts on spiritual strengthening and endurance (Jn 6:27; Eph. 6:10; Heb. 10:36). If our focus is in the right place, we will care for our bodies in a way that brings glory to God (1 Cor. 9:24-27).

6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 

7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 

8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

~ 1 Timothy 4:6-8

Memorial Day, the Cross, and the Call to Surrender

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My fellow Americans, neighbors, and loved ones: Many are posting tributes on social media today to honor those who have lost their lives while serving their fellow man. I am very grateful to live in this country and for the freedoms that it provides. Moreover, I am thankful for my fellow citizens’ sacrifices so that I can enjoy the comforts of living in this land. I truly am proud to be an American. That said, while we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for others, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to consider something even more critical. Many fathers and mothers have sent their sons and daughters to die on the battlefield, but God sent his only begotten Son to die for the sins of humanity (John 3:16). Though I do not wish to diminish many Americans’ heavy sacrifices, I want to draw our attention to Jesus. Would you join me in praying to God after reading this reflection? Consider a few comparisons. 

Sacrifice for Others: Today, we seek to remember the soldiers who gave their lives to protect freedom, peace, and country. With much greater consequence, Jesus gave his life to save humanity from sin and death, offering the gift of eternal life! Christ told His disciples, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” (John 15:13-14)

Freedom Through Death: On Memorial Day, we reflect on how the sacrifice of so many soldiers secured our earthly freedoms, such as religious liberty and safety. In contrast, Jesus’ death offers us spiritual freedom—freedom from the bondage of sin, from separation from God, and the ultimate fate of condemnation. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

Remembering the Fallen: We honor and remember those who died on Memorial Day, ensuring their sacrifices are not forgotten. Christians also remember Jesus’ death regularly through practices like communion so that His sacrifice remains in our hearts and minds. Jesus instituted His memorial on the night in which he was betrayed, and 1st-century Christians observed that memorial every first day of the week (Matthew 26:26-30; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-33).

Inspiration to Live Better: Contemplating the sacrifices of soldiers may inspire us to live with gratitude, courage, and a commitment to service. In a much more profound sense, remembering Jesus’ sacrifice calls Christians to live sacrificially, loving and serving others with a higher sense of purpose and calling. “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:16-17)

Hope Beyond Death: Many believe the sacrifices of soldiers contribute to a brighter, more hopeful future for our nation. However, Jesus’ death grants us the ultimate hope—eternal life and victory over sin and death, promising that we will reign with Him forever and escape every heartache (Revelation 21:1-22:21). 

I must note: While it may be inappropriate to compare secular holidays with Jesus’ death during our time of communion on the 1st day of the week, this Memorial Day, as we reflect on the tragedies of this world and the noble sacrifices made for goodness, it feels fitting to express gratitude. And while it is noble that our fellow man has been willing to die for us, OUR UNDERSTANDING OF TRUE NOBILITY COMES FROM GOD, the creator and sustainer of all things. 

If this resonates with you, I pray you will look to Jesus and thank Him for dying for you, providing hope for a better life beyond this world. We will each give an account to God for our deeds, and all of us have sinned! Let us demonstrate our thankfulness by surrendering our lives to Him (Matthew 7:21-23), putting our belief in Jesus as Savior and Lord (John 10:31-39), repenting of our sins (Luke 13:3), confessing our faith (Matthew 10:32-33), and being baptized for the forgiveness of our sins (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38). In doing so, the Lord will add you to His church (Acts 2:47), the one He purchased with His blood (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25-27)! 

Just as one day each year is not enough to honor what our fellow man has done for us, a single moment or day is insufficient to commemorate what Jesus has done for me. Let us strive to devote our lives more fully to Him. Amen.