In perhaps the most realistic and graphic depiction of war, the movie Saving Private Ryan took theaters and moviegoers by storm. It tells the harrowing tale of eight soldiers who embark on a mission to find and rescue the last surviving son of a grieving mother. Led by Captain John Miller, the movie follows their journey and ultimately their tragic fate as their forces are overwhelmed at the end. In one final heroic effort, Capt. Miller detonates explosives on a bridge to give the Allied forces time and distance to escape. Just before this moment, reflecting on the great cost of saving Private Ryan, Miller tells Ryan, “Earn this.”
Today is Memorial Day—a day when our nation reflects on all those who have lost their lives defending our right to freedom and sovereignty. We remember that “freedom isn’t free,” and that our privileges come at a cost. In the movie, there is no way Private Ryan could ever truly “earn” the sacrifice of those who died for him. But that isn’t the point. The true meaning behind Capt. Miller’s words are that the gift given to Ryan should not be wasted.
These scenes resonate with us because they speak to a deeper part of our souls—a recognition woven into the fabric of reality that there is a God who loves you and sent His Son to die for you. It is this reality, our rescue, that draws us in and compels us to respond.
1 Corinthians 6:20 – “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
This is the message of the gospel. Yes, we have been saved, but we should not waste the gift given by the One who paid the ultimate price for us. This is not something we could ever earn—there is nothing we can do to settle the score or make amends. However, we are challenged to live in such a way that our lives reflect the immense grace we have received. The instructions are for us to ensure that our actions ultimately point back to God and that He is glorified in our lives.
At the end of the movie, the scene that makes every grown man reflect (and perhaps shed a tear) is when Ryan goes to the grave of Capt. Miller. These are the words that carry the most meaning:
“My family is with me today. They wanted to come with me. To be honest with you, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel coming back here. Every day I think about what you said to me that day on the bridge. I tried to live my life the best that I could. I hope that was enough. I hope that, at least in your eyes, I’ve earned what all of you have done for me”.
We cannot repay the sacrifice or love of God in Christ Jesus. But we can honor Him by the way we live. Let’s rise to the challenge—dedicate your life to Him, and let your daily actions be a living tribute to what was done for you. Don’t waste the gift. Live in a way that shows you remember, and that you are striving to “earn this” with every breath, to respond to what was done for me.