Who We Honor

The pilot who volunteers to take the flight. The rescuer who keeps going back for one more person. The soldier who falls on the grenade to save his fellow soldiers. These are the heroic acts we honor and are inspired by. We also esteem those who sacrificially give their lives daily in choosing to care for others instead of themselves.

When we honor them, our children will learn from us that these are the people to emulate.

So it is important to consider who we put on a pedestal. Do we hold up the athlete, the entertainer, the knowledgeable for their talents? The elites because of their status? Are they worthy role models in their personal lives? How can we honor those who give away their lives?

When we tell our children stories of sacrifice, we are teaching them the importance of caring for people beyond ourselves. Jesus calls us to give ourselves, both in living and in dying, for others. We can seek to serve those God has placed within our influence. We lay down our wants and desires in order to help others as Jesus did.

While few of us will have the chance to do the really big, heroic acts, like choosing to die in the place of another, we all can daily die to our selfishness. We can use our time, our money, our energy to help the underprivileged, the hurting, the lonely in our communities. Whether it is the homeless in town, the refugee in the camp on post, or the lonely kid in the neighborhood who keeps coming over, God has a way you and your children can serve His kingdom.

The greatest way to show love for friends is to die for them.

John 15:13 (CEV)

Talk with your kids about the legacy of self-sacrifice. Explain that we do it out of love for others and love for God, not just a sense of duty. Help them understand why you serve our country. Model thanking others, and thanking Jesus, for what they have done. Point out to your kids that they make sacrifices, too and thank them for it! And ask the Lord how He would have your family continue to give your lives.

PRAY

What a love! Jesus, it is amazing that You would die for me. Thank You. Help me to love others and sacrifice my life for them in whatever way You ask me to. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question: Who do you want to be like?

Apply: Watch a movie with your kids and talk about the hero. What makes them worth cheering for?

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Read these passages today.

Matthew 10:38-39

Romans 12:10