Why did they do it?

The July 4^th holiday is now past us.  It is a day on which we celebrate the birth of our country, Independence Day.  This Independence Day I asked myself one question, “Why did they do it?” Why did so many individuals in the colonies reject King and Country and were willing to sacrifice, even to the point of death, to achieve independence?

You may not know it, but July 4^th holds historical significance other than Independence Day.  Events which also beg the question, “Why did they do it?”  July 1^st – 4^th, 2012, marked the 149^th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War.  The 4^th of July marked the retreat of the Army of Northern Virginia out of Pennsylvania back across the Potomac River, after 3 days of the deadliest battle ever fought on American soil.  What prompted these men to give “the last full measure of devotion” as President Lincoln put it?  Devotion to what?

It is not my intention in this article to plumb the depths of causes and movements that led to these events, those things which could possibly answer the question, “Why did they do it?”  Rather, I wish to highlight one motivation which continues to be forgotten and overlooked in our current times, the idea of self-sacrifice.

In each of these struggles, the war for independence and the American Civil War, there were individuals who fully understood and embraced the need for self-sacrifice so that others might live and prosper.  It is the same conviction that led thousands of young men storm the beaches of Normandy on June 6^th, 1944 (D-Day).  

The idea of self-sacrifice has fallen upon hard times in our modern day culture, as we see thousands demanding “their rights” but failing to give one small measure, much less “the last full measure”, of any part of their life for the betterment of another.  We have become “A Nation of Moochers” as a now popular book title proclaims.  Is this what the Gospel of Christ calls us to?

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of self-sacrifice and those who call themselves Christ followers need to pick up their cross and do likewise.  No one took the life of Jesus.  He laid it down willingly.  No one forced Jesus to set aside his divine prerogatives, he did so out of love for another.

When I hear about parents “jumping ropes” to make sure “their children get their fair share” of goodies in an Easter egg hunt, I can only wonder what example has been set for the next generation.

One of the greatest gifts a parent can give a child, or another human being can give to a fellow human being, is to teach self-sacrifice.  There is tremendous value in putting others first.  Where would any of us be if Jesus had considered himself before he considered us?  Imagine what the world would be like if the simple act of consideration was exercised before pursuing self-seeking interests?

Self-sacrifice isn’t something that comes naturally to humans.  We must be taught.  Watch little children and you will see what little interest they have in self-sacrifice.  Then watch the adults around you and see the same principles at work in those who were never taught.

It will require some self-sacrifice, but take the time to teach self-sacrifice.