In recent years, we have become more vigilant about acknowledging our military veterans of World War II, and, to a lesser extent, of the Vietnam War. It’s high time that we did so. We’re finally realizing that we’re quickly losing those generations. In their day, it didn’t seem to them that they were heroes. They were just among a vast number who were exercising their patriotic duties. So, it’s a wonderful thing when they are recognized for the true value that they have added to our lives.
However, what about all of those veterans who died years earlier, before we got around to recognizing them? Should we feel bad about our oversight? Maybe so, but there are some deep spiritual truths to help us all feel better about this.
2 Corinthians 5:10 tells us of the coming judgment of all believers. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” One day, Jesus Christ Himself will personally judge each believer. We will be rewarded with heavenly treasures for our good deeds, and we will suffer loss for our bad deeds (although we will keep our salvation–Romans 8:31-39, 11:29). So, in Matthew 6:20, He tells us to “… store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” not earthly treasures.
However, there’s another verse in Matthew 6 that can be related directly to our veterans who were never appropriately honored for their sacrifices. Matthew 6:1 says, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” This verse assures us that Jesus Christ will reward them, and eternal rewards from Christ are much more valuable than temporal earthly rewards.