Truly Enjoy Your Fourth of July

This is our B moment. Our moment to be still…to be fed by the Word of God…to be grateful.

Scripture reference: Mark 7:15 (NLT)

Happy Fourth of July, B Moment listeners!

Today, I am in holiday mode. Actually, I’ve been in holiday mode since much earlier in the week. Sometimes when a holiday rolls around, I think about all the friends and family and places that I will visit.

I must confess that I also think about all of the great food that I will devour, too. Some of my favorites are burgers and hot dogs right off the grill along with a scrumptious dessert and a great glass of red wine.

Yet as soon as I have those thoughts, I also think about not overdoing it. In other words, I don’t want to defile my body by eating so many unhealthy things.

Then I recall what Jesus taught the Pharisees in Mark 7. One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to dinner and noticed that Jesus did not partake in the hand-washing ceremony that was customary at the time. The Pharisees who were in attendance at the dinner were appalled.

However, Jesus explained to them that you are not defiled by what you eat, but rather by what you say and do. Reading this felt liberating for me because it created such clarity around what really matters to God.

So here is what I want you to do today. Enjoy your Fourth of July. Celebrate. Don’t worry about overeating or overdoing it.

As you do that, remember these words: “It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.” Mark 7:15 (NLT)

Please share this reflection as others desire to be inspired.

So today, really enjoy your Fourth of July.