A Deeper Sense of Honor

At this time of year we are encouraged to remember those who have played a part in securing our freedom as Americans. It is a fitting reminder for many of us who are more likely to focus on holiday fun.

We will probably enjoy fun, food, and friendship, but that is not what Independence Day is about. It is a day of celebration of our nation’s independence. It is good to reflect on our independence and the sacrifices made by our forefathers. It is good to remember battles fought and won that have insured continued freedom. It is honorable to salute our flag, the symbol of our nation and a symbol of the freedom we enjoy.

Our forefathers saw injustices in their land and determined to make a change for the better. For some it was political injustice; for others religious oppression. They decided to break free from enslavement of various kinds. To do this they also left their past behind.

It would seem that most did not come to America with a divided mind. In other words, they did not think they would simply return home if things did not go well. They came to the new land breaking ties with family, friends, and homeland. They boarded ships knowing that it was a one-way ticket. They sacrificed. They paid. We should honor. We should salute.

I believe there is somewhat of a parallel to our freedom in Christ, and yet, also a stark difference. The forefathers of our great nation yearned for freedom. They set out to break free and they accomplished their goal. Yet, in contrast to our American forefathers, there was no man to lead in a spiritual revolt against sin. There was no man to rally the courage of others to oppose Satan. No one set out to a new land, a land of freedom.

The scriptures remind us that we were dead in our sins. We were powerless to do anything about our pitiful condition, even powerless to realize our profound weakness. We did nothing.

Unlike our forefathers, it was God who was moved by our sad condition. It was God who decided to act.  It was God who sacrificed. It was God in the flesh who became the sacrifice. He paid.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

          —John 3:16 (NASB)

Yet for that tremendous sacrifice we do not stand straight, chest out and then with pride snap a crisp salute.

Rather, in humility we honor...with heads bowed...on bended knee...then falling face down before God’s throne...

We worship.

“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.” And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshipped.

           —Revelation 5:12-14 (NASB)

Past. Excellence. Praise.

The Apostle Paul instructed:

     ...If there is any excellence and
           if anything worthy of praise,
           dwell on these things.

                                      --Philippians 4:8

What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘excellence’?

Precision? Beauty? Superiority? Flawlessness?

Some things are excellent because of their intrinsic quality, or perhaps quality in craftsmanship. For example, consider a high-quality silver coin. The background of the coin has a mirror finish. The raised lettering and images have a frosted appearance. This coin was made especially for coin collectors and has been handled with utmost care. It is called a ‘proof’ coin and would never be found in your pocket change.

Excellence describes proof coins, but only because of the quality of craftsmanship and the high-quality materials.

The term Paul used has more to do with excellence as the result of past activity, effort, achievement or performance. So, it is not as much about things as it is about people.

The Olympic great, Michael Phelps, comes to mind; excellence in swimming. His unprecedented Olympic medal performances stand on their own. He swims with such strength, yet at the same time such grace. Excellence.

Behind all his medals are years of grueling training, practice sessions and competitions; restricted activities, restricted diet, restricted influences, restricted life; all for the glorious achievements awarded at the Olympic Games. Excellence.

Michael Phelps deserves to be on the covers of magazines, on a Wheaties cereal box; on the morning show circuit; in advertising campaigns. He is worthy of praise for his unmatched achievements.

We might also turn our attention to the world of entertainment (as if the world of sports is somehow separate): Actors, singers, dancers, and performers of every kind. We could also think of discoverers and inventors and scientists; educators, writers, thinkers, planners; conquerors, rulers, diplomats, businessmen; and the list is endless. People who have risen to the top of their field in various pursuits of life to achieve...Excellence.

The term excellence can be applied to most any category, but at some point one has to wonder what/who 'Paul' was thinking about. At some point our minds must turn toward men and women of faith. It Is not that they demonstrated mastery of a skill, but they were persistent and insistent; stubbornly embracing God’s will as their own.

Think about Noah. Does Job come to mind as a man of excellence? Joseph went to prison because he refused to sin: Excellence. Rahab was bold in her faith. Deborah was brave. Left-handed Ehud cannot be forgotten; Gideon, Samson. Faithful Ruth was worthy of praise.

David would not harm the Lord’s Anointed, even though King Saul was his enemy. The restraint of Daniel and his friends while in captivity was exemplary. Heaven loved Daniel. The courage of Mordecai and Esther: Excellence.

Elijah, John the Baptist, Peter, Paul, and, of course, Jesus, our Savior and Lord...and yet...

The Bible is not the only place where godly men and women of excellence are found. Stop and think for a moment about people in your own life who fit the description...Excellence...Worthy of Praise.

Dwell on these things...