HISmen onTrack 2010
HISmen onTrack is a regular message of encouragement for men. Short and to the point, onTrack will help encourage, challenge and guide men on their life's journey. We all need helping along, and we all need to be 'mutually encouraged by each other's faith'. Let's stay onTrack!
Each HISmen onTrack is listed by the month of it's publication. Enjoy!
The Fight for Freedom!
Australia has just celebrated Anzac Day, April 25, 2010. It is the day, once a year, when we remember and celebrate the those who served and sacrificed in wartime.
The abortive Gallipoli campaign in World War I was the beginning of a period of time that it is said Australia 'came of age'. This international coming of age, or 'arrival on the international stage' was forged in the cruciable that was both World War I and and World War II. It was Australian troops under Australian General Monash who successfully won the breakthrough against German troops that generated the momentum that finally allowed for victory in World War I. Gen. Monash was knighted in the field by the King as a reward for his contribution the Allied forces breakthrough.
Why did Australian men join up?
All warfare is hellish, and no warfare was as horrific as the first war fought on an industrial scale, World War I. Leaving aside the men's ignorance how devastating was would be, and leaving aside the machinations of international politics leading to World War I, why did the young men of Australia sign up to serve?
Among the many reasons, there were three primary reasons motivating the men to join. The first was the adventure of war. The second was the fact that their mates were joining. The third main reason was their strong belief that they were fighting for a just cause. That cause was freedom, and they felt that that freedom was worth fighting for.
Mateship and the fight for freedom ("we're fighting a just cause") were the two primary reasons keeping men on the battlefield in spite of its destruction and horror.
Each year on Anzac Day Australia rallies to honour and celebrate the sacrifice and service of our war veterans. Rightly so. They deserve our respect and honour. Their efforts and in many cases, their ultimate sacrifices, have secured for us a costly freedom. We do not honour them more by having more Anzac Days. We honour them best by living fruitfully and well in the freedom they successfully won for us.
Freedom is worth it!
The apostle Paul made this comment in his letter to the Galatians.
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourself be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." -- Galatians 5:1
It cost Jesus a great deal to obtain our freedom. His victory on the cross, his resurrection, and the powerful ministry of His Spirit (Holy Spirit) serves to free us, and keep us free from accusation and condemnation (Romans 8:1). His freedom-fight has so neutralised the enemy that we now have a vital and very close relationship with him, so much so that His Spirit chooses (because He is now able) to live within us.
We honour Jesus for his service, sacrifice, and accomplishment. However, we do not honour Jesus more by having more Easter celebrations any more than we would honour our Australian war heroes by having more Anzac Days. We honour Jesus best by living well in the outcome of his victory - our freedom!
More power (His power) to you!
David Crabtree
Senior Leader - DaySpring Church
Honour, Integrity & Spirit - Take the Journey!
