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)
