I Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
Colossians 3:23-24 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
Today we celebrate Veteran’s Day, honoring those brave men and women who have sacrificially served our great nation. It is a fitting day to thank all whose selflessness led them into the military on our behalf. It is a special day that intentionally falls on the anniversary of the end of World War I in 1918 – the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Yet, there is an interesting historical convergence about this date that encourages and challenges me every year. It prompts me to think about a group of brave individuals going back to 1620 – veterans who braved the treacherous 66-day journey across the rugged northern Atlantic Ocean to come to the new world. On November 11th, these pilgrims found themselves within the safety of Cape Cod. Before setting foot on dry ground, realizing that there would come strong pressures that could divert them from their primary mission, they codified their mission statement in our nation’s first constitution – the Mayflower Compact. It was a document that bound them together with common purpose, mutual protection, and civil order. The main body of this document stated:
“Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic; for our better ordering, and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.”
These American forefathers, at the outset of their foundational document, made their purpose clear – bringing glory to God and advancing the Christian faith. They were not bashful about declaring that purpose, using those important words as the reliable basis for their society and to carry them successfully through the tough times that they would face in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. Their focus on such a faithful common purpose allowed them to endure and thrive amidst their challenges.
PLEASE PRAY THAT AMERICAN CHRISTIANS WOULD USE SUCH A COMMON PURPOSE TO ENDURE AND THRIVE IN THE CHALLENGING WORLD IN WHICH WE LIVE. It was a glorious undertaking in 1620, and could be so again today!
