So, 4th of July weekend is here…and in some ways, I almost think it’s turned into the summer version of Thanksgiving. You hear people all the time talk about why they are thankful to live in this great country. Plus, there’s plenty of sports and food, just like in November.
It’s easy to count our blessings, and be thankful. I just hope you remember this and every 4th that we are blessed to, in turn, be a blessing. Believe me, it’s more than just a catch-phrase for church.
The last week or so, I’ve been reading a very thought-provoking book by David Platt, a pastor in Alabama, called Radical. I’ll just tell you now…if you’re going to read this book, you better drop your defenses. I’ll be writing more about it in the next few weeks, but David’s book is a challenge to the church in America to get out of our comfort zone. He reminds readers that the gospel has two equally important parts: first, that God loves me so much that He sent Jesus to die for my sins; AND (let’s not forget this part) that because of that grace, I am to make His name known in all the world.
So as you reflect this weekend on your blessings, remember that those blessings are a gift from Him…and that maybe one of the reasons you have been blessed to be here, in this country, is because its freedoms have allowed you to know God, receive his grace, and make Him known to others.
-Joe
