Hot Topics: Confederate Memorials
Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones… and burn their idols in the fire.
Deuteronomy 7:5 (NIV)
You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.
Revelation 4:11 (NKJV)
Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.
Acts 10:4 (NKJV)
The Bible has lots of memorials: altars or simple constructions of stone, where God's children remembered their Maker.
This world has lots of memorials, too: for leaders, heroes, and major events...*
Among them are Confederate statues, where Southern states honor fallen soldiers, and perhaps their fallen motivation. I confess: I’m “hot” about this topic!
My family has deep roots in the South, back to the Revolutionary War, and my ancestors fought in many wars.
SIDEBAR: My dad was a pilot in WWII, the China-Burma-India campaign (and yes, I’m proud of the brave things he did.)
But of Southern men in the Civil War, I struggle with sadness, shame, and regret. I could say they were “products of their time,” but defending slavery is evil.**
For this disaster, I ask forgiveness. Am I responsible for what they did? No, but generational behaviors can be passed down as blessings or curses.
Back to Confederate memorials:
Certain highlights of the Southern culture, like courtesy, chivalry, and cuisine, should be remembered and celebrated as noteworthy regional traditions. But…
Symbols of hate should die and stay buried. They remind us of the worst we can be– and embers of hate can still spark new fires. (One of them is the Confederate flag.)**
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
I have confidence in your loving hearts that can and WILL HELP HEAL war-wounded hearts.
2nd SIDEBAR: Hollywood has countless memorials. Every award show and trophy is one:) – but I don’t think they’re evil or harmful (unless those winning them are tripped by pride… or the desire for them turns into lust.)
When YOU win a shiny “memorial”, don’t forget to give the glory to God. His glory is your duty (and safety).
‘For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen’ (Romans 11:36).
Hot Topics: Confederate Memorials (Part 16)
* Biblical definition of 'memorial' from Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology:
https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/memorial/
* I believe memorials can become idols. If so, they are destructive and should be removed.
** Slavery was a tragic cause of dissension in America's Civil War. Apparently, the god of this world blinded many people, including my own ancestors. For the dreadful abomination of slavery (which exists today in shockingly greater abundance), I am deeply grieved.
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.
WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!