Many people use the term Bible-believing as code for conservative, evangelical Christian. I do not consider myself to be conservative. I believe that the term evangelical Christian should be redundant (not a political affiliation), and I believe in the Bible.
That is why on this day, as I think about those that have lost their life in wars, I turn to the Bible. A woman at church on Sunday told me that Memorial Day is a tough day for her, because she had seven brothers and uncles that went away to World War II, and “not all of them came back.” My heart breaks for this 92 year-old woman who, after all these years, still feels the pain of war.
This morning when I hung my flag out in memory of those that have died, those that have given up more than I have dared risk, those men and women of every creed, race, and background, I said a simple prayer: “No more.” It is a prayer that will not be answered today.
We live in a broken world. We live in a world where the ambitions and greed of a few can cost the lives of thousands. We live in a world where sons and daughters leave home to defend their loved ones, and often do not return.
Still, I believe. I believe not in the Bible as an idol that can be used to swat away ideas and new ways of thinking. I believe in the words of the Bible, powerful words like these:
He shall judge between the nations,
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more(Isaiah 2:4)
The world will be healed. It might not happen in my lifetime, but I believe in the words of the Bible, and I believe in the power of God to heal all things. Until then, I hang my flag with pride. Not because we live in a country that is perfect, but because we live in a country full of brave men and women that want to do and be better. Until it is healed, I hang my head. Not out of sorrow or despair, but in humility and prayer to a God that keeps promises.
I believe in the Bible. I believe in this country. I believe in humanity that was created in the image of God.
To those that have served, I humbly thank you.
I close with this small prayer, “No more.”
Another post about Memorial Day called “Sometimes ‘Thank you’ seems inadequate.”
The Fat Pastor 