I’ve always
been impressed by the solemn, magnificent simplicity of the Changing of the
Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. The carefully
choreographed event is a moving tribute to soldiers whose names—and
sacrifice—are “known but to God.” Equally moving are the private moments of
steady pacing when the crowds are gone: back and forth, hour after hour, day by
day, in even the worst weather.
In
September 2003, Hurricane Isabel was bearing down on Washington, DC, and the
guards were told they could seek shelter during the worst of the storm.
Surprising almost no one, the guards refused! They unselfishly stood their post
to honor their fallen comrades even in the face of a hurricane.
Underlying
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:1-6, I believe, is His desire for us to live with an
unrelenting, selfless devotion to Him. The Bible calls us to good deeds and
holy living, but these are to be acts of worship and obedience (vv.4-6), not
orchestrated acts for self-glorification (v.2). The apostle Paul endorses this
whole-life faithfulness when he pleads with us to make our bodies “a living
sacrifice” (Rom. 12:1).
May our
private and public moments speak of our devotion and wholehearted commitment to
You, Lord.
The more
we serve God, the less we will serve self. (RBC)
