Monday is Memorial Day.  A time to look back.  A time to remember.  A time to honor those who have given what Abraham Lincoln called “the last full measure of devotion.”  At this time of year, I enjoy researching and reading accounts of American patriots and their words expressing their thoughts on freedom and this country we call home.  I encourage you to take some time and do the same.  There is one that has always stood out to me; it’s by the patriot who later became the second president of the United States, John Adams.  In a letter written to his wife, Abigail, he penned the words, “Posterity! You will never know how much it has cost the present generation to preserve your freedom!  I hope you will make a good use of it.”  What a challenge to future generations of Americans!  We can’t imagine the sacrifice, hardship, and commitment it took to declare and then win independence from Great Britain.  Because of that, it could be (and sad to say, seems now to be) easily taken for granted.  As I think on President Adams’ words, it appears to me that the same challenge applies to my spiritual life.  It is impossible to comprehend what it truly cost my Savior to save me and provide my freedom from sin’s bondage.  But I do know this.  I must make good use of it.  I must live in the power of His resurrection.  I must walk under the control of His Spirit.  I must hold high His standards of holiness.  I must seek His will in all matters.  I must stand unashamedly on His word and obey it without question.  I must share His gospel with boldness and compassion.  I must.  This Memorial Day weekend, let’s be sure to pause and give some thought to the sacrifices made by so many for our great nation.  But more than that, let’s pause and consider the “greater love” of Christ expressed in John 15:13 and consecrate ourselves anew to “make a good use” of the freedom He won for us on Calvary’s hill.