Calling all Patriots...

Patriot – someone who practices Patriotism. Patriotism is love of and/or devotion to one's country. The word comes from the Greek patris.

I was watching the Mel Gibson movie, The Patriot, the other night and I was amazed by the struggle of early Americans for independence from the British. It was such a seemingly small and ineffective group of people seeking freedom that led the battle cry for many who came after them. Small in numbers, but great in heart. Ineffective in the type of weapons they used, but just enough to allow them to gain ground with every battle. It drove home the point of what it takes to acquire and keep true freedom. It is sometimes too easy to start a battle but not finish a battle.

1. We must first of all be committed to the task. When the going got rough, many fell to the side and could not keep up the continuing fight. Their commitment level was easily seen by how much they were willing to give.
2. We must be pure in heart. The enemy would pick out those who were less than noble in their fight and lure them into giving out information on their own people. The end result of their lack of integrity resulted in many freedom fighters’ deaths.
3. We must be one in purpose. The weakest part of a chain is found when the weak link shows that it is not strong enough in its union to the other links to hold when the pressure is applied.
4. We must be willing to continue when all others fall away. True patriots believe in what they are fighting for and that belief is not centered on others and their commitment. The commitment of a true patriot is from deep inside their heart and that flame cannot be extinguished.

We are called to be Patriots. Not just for our country, but for our Lord. Our love and devotion for Jesus drives the vehicle of our life to the point of sacrifice -- sacrifice for our Savior and sacrifice for our fellow man. The sacrifices made by many for our freedom show us the depth of patriotism and we flourish because of those sacrifices. The sacrifice of one, Jesus Christ, for our eternal freedom shows us the depth of God’s love for us and gives us the manual for being a true patriot. May we take up the mantle of true freedom and fight while there is still time for the one who gives us true freedom. Calling all Patriots! Today is our Independence Day Celebration. Today we fight the good fight!

The Pilgrimage continues....

David Warren