In a culture gradually loosing itself from its Judeo/Christian roots, a nation looks for places to worship where hearts unite around something that inspires.

I still believe that the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the most significant celebrations of worship for Australian life and inspiration, but Anzac Day runs a pretty important second in the Aussie psyche.

The question of "Anzac" must be whether its worshippers imbibe the spirit of Anzac, or rest in the glories of the past with little thought for how we live in the present.

Some time ago, I heard a gentleman declare, "We live in the best country in the world", to which another said, "And that is the problem with our country". I was a little surprised by the response until he continued to say something to the affect that, "living in the best country in the world requires the best from lives in that country with a commitment to watching and keeping things great".

If you were to take the temperature of our nation how would you assess its health and its prospects for the future? Whether healthy or unhealthy I want to suggest that we are in a war. Staying healthy is a battle as is coming back from illness.

The best country on the planet, no matter where it is, is at risk when people become apathetic and lazy. The health of our nation might not be as obvious as the wars that make April 25 so important, but it is a war, as important as any, that requires us all to step up for national service.

In a year of elections, a thoughtful approach to voting would be a good start. Consider the Marxism of the extreme left, known for shutting down debate, silencing history, and happily promoting themselves via violence. In their absence, fascism should remind us all that an extreme right would be just as bad.

Then there is a disdain of politicians for one another, the rise of elitism and identity politics and the inevitable and resulting atomisation of our society. The war is on.

Like those entertained by church but too preoccupied with life to worship Christ, is it possible that some will be entertained by Anzac Day but too preoccupied to ever enlist in the battles required to preserve and grow our nation? Our defence force does an extraordinary job but their task is futile if not partnered and assisted by all the nation's citizens.

I love this country of Australia. Whether it's the best is debatable.

But I can tell you that the comforts of what we consider peace can become the sedatives that have a nation asleep at the wheel.

As a nation celebrates Anzac Day we celebrate more than the lives of defence force personnel. We celebrate a spirit within that would lay down one's life in the service of others.

We don't celebrate the elites or those using their identity like a uniform to gain favour. We don't celebrate those who behave like victims to manipulate the system.

We celebrate something inspired by Judeo/Christianity where love gives birth to servanthood, where a life is spent to give others more, and where death will be received with honour in the protection of others.

Personally, I don't know where our Anzac celebrations would be if it were not for Jesus Christ who authored the best of the Anzac spirit.

And I don't know where our nation will be if the spirit of Christ is not found and the spirit of Anzac is sedated by our comforts.

Read more Faith Matters:

A strange prayer for Good Friday

Reflecting on life's arrivals and departures

Three words to build a full life