4th of July Reflection

So let's be people whose word means something. Let's be people who don't need elaborate oaths or religious language to back up what we say. Let's be people whose yes is yes and whose no is no.

The power for transformation isn't in us as the sower or in the soil itself - it's in the seed, the gospel message of hope in Jesus Christ.

When both elements are present and thriving, you get a community that doesn't just count members—it transforms lives.

The question isn't whether we'll face conflict and anger. We will. The question is: Will we let those challenges drive us toward greater Christlikeness and deeper community? Or will we let them harden our hearts and divide us from others?

Maybe it's time to remember that church isn't supposed to be a place where perfect people gather to maintain their perfection. It's supposed to be a place where broken people come together to experience the healing, hope, and hospitality of Jesus.