Can you believe it’s already July? This month always feels special, doesn’t it? With fireworks and cookouts, we celebrate the birth of our nation, and it’s a great time to reflect on some of the core values that have shaped us.
The Gift of Religious Freedom
One of the things I’m most grateful for as a United Methodist in America is our long and often hard-won history of religious freedom. From the very beginning, even with all the imperfections of our founders, there was a revolutionary idea taking root: that people should be free to worship God (or not worship) according to their conscience, without fear of government interference.
That’s a profound gift, and it’s something we should never take for granted. It means that our church can gather, worship, and serve openly, and that people of all faiths can live out their beliefs. The freedom to worship God freely is one of the cornerstones of what makes our nation unique and a blessing for many.
Faith Calls Us to Serve the Vulnerable
But as we celebrate this freedom, I’m also reminded of some deeply important calls from our faith tradition that tie right into the spirit of what it means to be a compassionate society. Throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament prophets to the teachings of Jesus, there’s a consistent, resounding message: we are called to care for the most vulnerable among us.
Think about it: time and again, God emphasizes the importance of looking after widows and orphans. These were, and often still are, the people in society with the least power, the fewest resources, and the greatest need for protection.
Our faith teaches us that true worship isn’t just about what happens inside these walls on a Sunday; it’s about how we extend our hands and hearts to those who are hurting.
The Gospel Call to Welcome the Stranger
And then there’s the powerful command to welcome the stranger. In ancient times, a “stranger” could be anyone from a traveler passing through to a refugee seeking safety. Today, it might be an immigrant, a new neighbor, or someone who just feels like an outsider.
Our scriptures tell us repeatedly to remember that we, too, were once strangers in a strange land. This call to hospitality, to open our doors and our hearts to those who are different or new, is at the very heart of the Gospel. It’s about seeing the inherent dignity and worth in every person, just as God does.
Freedom, Compassion, and Our Christian Responsibility
So, this July, as you enjoy your BBQs and fireworks, take a moment to reflect on these profound connections. How can we, as individuals and as a church, continue to uphold the spirit of religious freedom while also actively living out our call to care for widows and orphans, and to welcome the stranger?
Let’s pray for our nation, for our leaders, and for ourselves, that we might always strive to be a people who embody both freedom and compassion.
Blessings,
Pastor Rob