We mourn the loss of courageous individuals, including a New York City police detective and Air National Guard member, who tragically died in a suicide attack in Afghanistan. As we remember those who have fallen, let’s contemplate the deeper meaning of life and spiritual identity.
Wounded warrior advocate and country music artist Trace Adkins’ song about baptism offers a powerful metaphor:
It’s a long way from where I’ve been back to my home town But there’s a man in me I need to drown Baptize me in that muddy water Wash me clean in amazing grace I ain’t been living like I oughta…
The lyrics resonate with scriptural truth. The Bible speaks extensively about dying to oneself to live in Christ. Galatians 2:20 expresses this beautifully: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Baptism is not a guarantee of salvation, but rather an act of obedience. Jesus commanded, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). Baptism symbolizes dying with Jesus and being resurrected to a new life in Him. Colossians 2:12 states, “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.”
Luke 9:23 records Jesus saying, “And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’” The apostle Paul wrote, “Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him” (Romans 6:8). Dealing with death is never easy. However, until we die to ourselves in this life, we cannot fully experience the majesty of heaven in eternity. If you seek purpose, it lies in living for Christ by dying to yourself. Everything else is secondary. This concept is also related to mourning.
Ultimately, the message is one of transformation and renewed purpose. It’s about recognizing our flaws, seeking redemption, and dedicating our lives to something greater than ourselves. It’s about embracing a new identity in Christ and living a life of obedience and faith. Consider the concept of eternal pursuit.
-Jim