Honoring Those Who Serve Our Neighbors
As Independence Day draws near, many of us are preparing to celebrate with family gatherings, cookouts, fireworks, and community events. It is a good time to pause and give thanks for the freedom we enjoy in this country—the freedom to worship, to gather, to speak, to serve, and to live in peace. These blessings should never be taken for granted.
Yet as followers of Christ, we are also reminded that our deepest freedom is not merely national or political freedom, but the freedom we have received through Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul writes, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). Jesus Himself also said, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Through Christ, we are set free from sin, guilt, fear, and the power of death. We are free to belong to God, free to walk in truth, and free to live a new life in Him.
But Christian freedom is never meant to turn us inward or make us self-centered. It is freedom with a purpose. Paul reminds us again, “Do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13). In other words, because Christ has set us free, we are now free to love, free to serve, and free to bless others in His name.
This weekend, our church has a wonderful opportunity to do just that. Some of our brothers and sisters have signed up to serve at our church booth at the Town Center and to join the parade. They are giving their time, energy, and presence so that God’s name may be made known in our community. We thank God for their willingness to serve, and we honor them for using their freedom to love our neighbors.
We also invite the whole congregation to participate. Please consider joining the parade, stopping by the booth, or simply visiting to encourage those who are serving. Your presence matters. A smile, a greeting, a prayer, or a few words of encouragement can strengthen our brothers and sisters and show our community that the church is here not only to gather on Sundays, but also to bless the town around us.
As we celebrate Independence Day, may our hearts be filled with gratitude—not only for the freedom we enjoy in this country, but even more for the freedom we have in Christ. And may that freedom move us outward, so that through our words, actions, and service, our neighbors may see the love of Christ and give glory to God.
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