There's no greater love than this

“Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: Jesus Christ and the American soldier. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom.”
As we approach Veterans Day and other military holidays, this is a popular quote that often circulates through social media. But I question its truth. A more accurate statement might be: One died for your soul. Both died for your freedom.
Currently, there are about 1.3 million active duty military service members and more than 800,000 reserve forces, and each enlisted soldier knows that death is a possible outcome of their service.
The Soldier's Creed states, “...I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American soldier.” According to Wikipedia, since 1775, more than 2,852,900 American soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice and have given their life guarding our freedom.
Jesus Christ also gave his life, not only for your soul, but for your freedom as well. Ever since sin entered God’s perfect creation, people have been in captivity. Slaves to sin, oppressed by the enemy, bound by fear, guilt, shame, and more. But Jesus came to change all that. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, to testify to the truth, to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, and to give His life as a ransom for many. (Luke 19:10, John 18:37, Luke 4:18, Mark 10:45)
Everything in our life is contingent on our freedom from captivity. We cannot be who God created us to be if we are slaves to sin. The wages of sin is death, and it is only through Jesus Christ that we can be free from that condemnation.
So as we celebrate Veterans Day on Nov. 11, share your gratitude with those in our military. But more importantly, share your gratitude with the Savior of the world by offering yourself to Him. He alone brings freedom.
 
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13