Duty

We’re heading toward  the Memorial Day weekend. For many, this is the sign that summer is here. Many view this long weekend as the sign that vacation season has officially begun.

For others, Memorial Day brings memories of grandparents and other friends and relatives who sent off to war. I’m part of an age group whose parents served during World War II, and were part of what has often been described as the Greatest Generation.

If your relative were like mine, there’s a common theme among them all. Most of our relatives from that generation didn't talk much about the war. In fact, in most - if not all - cases, it was hard to get any information out of them at all.

That Greatest Generation was very different from today's generation. They didn't grow up with social media and television and 24-hour news. They weren't part of a celebrity-driven culture where everybody wants to be the center of attention and where people are famous just for being famous. There was a selflessness characterizing that generation which is sadly lacking in today's world. The Greatest Generation didn't live their lives in the media spotlight. They just did their duty. To God. To family. To country.

For men and women who wear the uniform of our country's military in this generation, the same can be said. These men and women sacrifice much as they voluntarily put their lives on the line and do their duty.

What about those of us who serve in a different army? Those of us who follow a different Commander in Chief? Those of us in the army of the Lord? How would our service be described?

Do we serve the Lord as selflessly as those of the Greatest Generation served their country in World War II?

Or are we seeking the limelight? Does our service say "look at me!" or does our service say "look at Jesus!"?

We often define the word "duty" as something that one is expected or required to do, or as a task that one is expected to perform. In other words, doing our duty is doing what we ought to do.

In the Christian life, what does that mean? Perhaps we can answer that question by looking to the account of Jesus' first miracle, at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. When the wine had run out, Mary said to the servants, speaking of Jesus, "do whatever He tells you." 

(John 2:5b)

That is perhaps the essence of duty. Certainly for those men and women of America's Greatest Generation, that was true. When the order came, they did what they were told. Without question.  

Not because it was something they necessarily wanted to do. Or because it would make them popular. Or because it would get them more Twitter followers or Facebook friends. Or because it would make them famous.

They did what they were told for an entirely different reason. Because it was the right thing to do.  Because it was what they ought to do. Because it was their duty.

What an example they have set for us.  

"So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"  (Luke 17:10 ESV)