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Today is the 4th of July!
It’s also known as Independence Day, celebrating the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.
I arrived home from the Philippines very early this morning (about 2 a.m.).
Regardless, my schedule today is packed: bike ride in the morning, swimming in the afternoon, and fireworks in the evening. And I’ll probably nod off because of jetlag if I sit in a lounge chair at the pool.
We become what we celebrate. This is an underlying idea behind worship in the Bible.
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:18).
I’m a patriot. I believe in God and country, along with the Bible and Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Okay, Pastor Grant, this is a holiday; remember the picnic and then the fireworks. Calm down. Take a nap!
I will, but first, the next few sentences: We become what we celebrate. My life is ultimately not about patriotism but loyalty to Jesus. It’s about living righteously, regardless of the whims of culture. I want to become like Jesus Christ, for His glory to become my glory.
Whew. I had to say that. Now, let’s dwell on hot dogs.
One of the great 4th of July American traditions is Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest held at Coney Island in Brooklyn. This celebration first began in 1916 with someone eating hot dogs and buns. The record was set in 2021, with Joey Chestnut eating 76 hot dogs and buns in ten minutes.
When I say that we become what we celebrate, it does have its limit, as Joey Chestnut looks nothing like a Nathan’s hot dog.
Celebrations are God’s idea. The Bible is full of them, from the feasts of Israel to the church meeting on the first day of the week to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. And when we celebrate God, we do become like Him. The Israelites had many feasts for this purpose, and we should, too.
It’s a gift of God to enjoy life. I’m thankful for my recent trip to the Philippines, my family, my country, and I will even eat a hot dog today.
But my ultimate joy is reflecting God’s glory.