Some find patriotism to be offensive, a relic of the ignorant past and the mark of fools. What fools they must be, then, that give their all in service to a flag and the republic for which it stands. Maybe there are sociopolitical moorings to such skepticism, however those are beside the point of this article. And a more likely explanation is that the skeptics and scoffers do not understand patriotism because they do not understand commitment. Abraham Lincoln expressed it well in his famous Gettysburg address: “from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.” Contrary to the dictionary definition, true patriotism is not devotion to a country, but rather it is utmost commitment to a cause. In their homes and farms and families, the men and women we commemorate today found a cause worth committing their all to defend.

“And David said, What now have I done? Is there not a cause?”  — I Samuel 17:29

David found a cause worth committing all to defend. After hour upon hour spent in the field communing with God, David had an understanding of God’s jealousy and His power. Israel, the chosen nation, the light to the world, was in trouble. No man of the Israelite army was willing to face the challenger in the valley, but David was riled by the arrogance of this opponent. It was untenable to let an affront to the Living God go unchecked, so he must do what no one else would. David was committed to the cause.

Commitment is a dangerous thing: it is a vow that should not be taken lightly. It is a fearful thing to be bound to a single anchoring truth and thus torn away from the changing landscape of life. A cause does not relent. It does not turn back. It does not change for fashion, for acceptance, for admiration or opposition. When you tie yourself to a cause, there is no way of telling how far you will need to go in order to keep your commitment. Hebrews 11:35-38 speaks of many whose commitment led them down paths dark and painful, all for the cause and the calling of Christ. Commitment is more than a heart-flutter at the anthem’s crescendo. It is a force that drives us to the edge of possibility—and sometimes beyond—in the service of our calling. D’Aubigne wrote that “a religious movement almost always exceeds a just moderation. In order that human nature may make one step in advance, its pioneers must take many.” Commitment drives us far beyond moderation and polite enthusiasm into the realm of life-changing, earth-shaking impact on our world.

As you remember those who made your life and lifestyle possible by giving up their own, I challenge you to consider your own commitments. Have you secured your life to truths that are eternal? Are you bound to causes that will envelop you and enrich the world as a whole? Or have you pulled back and chosen to pursue things that please you alone? Today is a testimony to the power of a commitment well-placed and faithfully fulfilled. My prayer is that you can find or renew your commitment to the cause of Christ.