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Reverence and the Flag*

July 4

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22:6

As the Color Guard marched in the parade, Chet, a retired Air Force pilot, was saddened by how many people remained seated, with hats on their heads as the American flag passed by. The men and women from his generation would never show such a lack of respect and blatant disregard for their country’s flag and the sacrifice it represented. These people seemed indifferent about the freedom they enjoyed and took for granted. Chet had lost friends and comrades in WWII, and how or why these succeeding generations failed to honor and respect such sacrifice was beyond his comprehension.  

As they proceeded, Chet’s eye caught a small boy suddenly stand to attention, salute the men and the flag, and hold his salute! With a tear sliding down his cheek, Chet returned the prescribed military gesture, realizing, There is still hope that what we’ve done will not be forgotten or taken for granted.

†

The right for Americans to arbitrarily snub their nose at their Nation’s flag has been paid for with the blood and sacrifice of brave men and women, and their families, who’ve given of themselves, building the foundation upon which others have continued to build, knowing that freedom comes at a price.

This Nation was founded by fearless men and women who stood on godly principles which, when not adhered to, breed ignorance and disrespect. By failing to pass along a sense of duty, honor, and self-sacrifice, we have lost who we are and how we arrived at this moment in history.

It is, therefore, our responsibility to train and nurture each succeeding generation, teaching them to cherish the freedom they enjoy, and help them understand what a precious commodity it is. This applies to our spiritual heritage as well.

If Jesus were to walk by would our children remain seated on the curb, or would they stand in reverence and honor, recognizing the sacrifice that was made to set them free?

Prayer

“Father of our freedom, we thank and give You honor. May we never lose sight of the sacrifice for our freedom, and may we never fail to pass on the importance of the price that was paid. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

* Dedicated to Chester Miller, a good friend and good man