The Fourth and Faith

Theologian and Author Len Sweet made this post on Facebook:

Leonard Sweet My favorite 4th of July quote: "You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism." Erma Bombeck

Bombeck hits it on the head here. The greatness of our country is that we're focused on our neighbor and friends. That we don't need to have a show of force, but rather take a break to have a show of unity.

I can't help but point out the correlation to the church. Through the Lord's Supper and our baptism we are united to Christ in one mission. There's no show of power or strength. Our power comes from the Holy Spirit living within us. Our strength is in living faith together in our worship, church ministries and mission, and small group faithfulness.

What makes America great is that we're United. What makes our churches great is our unity in the mission of Christ, which is celebrated in the communion meal.