Have you ever given deep thought to the word UNITED vrs UNITY?

I had to give a lot of thought for todays FUN FRIDAYS! post.

Honestly, I have been kinda stuck on what to do. I have plenty of FUN stuff to share with you. However, tomorrow is the 250th American 4th of July Independence Day Celebration. It’s a big deal.

And you know what?

I am proud to live in the USA.

I am an American flag flyer. Everyday I fly the American flag on my front porch. It’s on my truck. It’s in my bedroom. It’s around the house. It’s in my garage. It’s even in the shed. Red White and Blue is on my head 90% of my free time because it’s on my favorite hat.

If I am honest, there is an internal struggle to want to post on the 250th July 4th celebration of the USA. Hence, why I have given it so much thought. For simplicity reasons, I will only make one quick summary statement as to why I have such a struggle wanting to post on the 250th Celebration of the USA: I am disappointed in the season we are in as a country.

And that’s the HOPE. The hope that has driven this country for 250 years. Maybe you disagree with me. That’s ok. That is what our forefathers planned for our country. They knew we would disagree. So, they created a system that would ultimately prevent the abuse of power. Which is exactly one of the main topics I talk about here at Give Your Story. However, it is not focused on government but rather my purpose is focused on the Church and men who want to lord over women. Abuse of power is a large part of the basis of the U.S. Constitution. Abuse of power is a common thread in the Bible Story.

The U.S. Constitution was designed to establish a functioning government while protecting the people from the abuse and concentration of governmental power through limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, and the protection of individual rights. The AIM of the the U.S. Constitution seeks to preserve liberty while establishing enough government authority to maintain justice and order.

Therefore, today I can sit here in my living room and write to you FREELY. I can speak the WORD OF JESUS to you FREELY.

The bible was written because of JESUS. It’s design is for US to be redeemed through Jesus. It’s a story about what to do and what not to do. It’s a a love story that is God’s plan to restore humanity and ALL creation through Jesus Christ, in UNITY, under Him for the glory of God.

Americans are united by constitutional frame work. Christians are united by Christ!

There will be mongers. There will be power seekers. There will be self centered leaders who think only of themselves. There will be Presidents who think the world revolves around them. There will be times of division in our country. There will be Pastors who abuse power. There will be church leaders who seek out power over women and twist the bible to their own agenda. There will be dysfunctional and divided churches. Do I really need to make a list of those things? However:

I have experienced the UNITED STATES

Sometimes it’s complicated hurtful periods such as 911. Sometimes it’s solemn moments when we reflect on the MEN AND WOMEN who have given their life for OUR FREEDOM. Sometimes it’s just the simple things like sharing together in history of our heritage, such as the 4014 BIG BOY 4-8-8-4 Steam Engine that is currently traveling across the USA from West to East and East to West.

There is a difference between United and Unity

UNITED – the act of coming together as a group. Having common purpose in harmony.

• Joined together
• Connected despite differences
• Bound by a common framework

As Americans we are UNITED physically by States and a document called the Constitution. We can disagree and still be UNITED.

UNITY – Being One under Christ

• One in purpose
• One in heart
• One in spirit

As Christians, we are called to have UNITY with each other having a spiritual bond – Mutual love.

UNITY is based on the belief that all Christians belong to one spiritual family through Jesus Christ.

Just as one of the primary purposes of the U.S. Constitution is to limit the concentration and abuse of governmental power while preserving both liberty and order, the Bible repeatedly shows God’s concern for how power is used.

The U.S Constitution, and the bible share the common topic-sin of abuse of power. The U.S Constitution is written so our nation can survive disagreement because it is united by a Constitution. The bible is written with the goal that the Church fulfills its calling only when it lives in UNITY under Christ. Those are not the same thing. Jesus confronted abuse of power and redefined true authority. The ultimate goal is redemption through Christ – one outcome of this redemption is UNITY – 1 – UNITY under Christ.

From Genesis to Revelation, we see what happens when people use their authority to dominate instead of serve. Pharaoh enslaved God’s people. Kings oppressed the poor. Religious leaders burdened people with rules they themselves would not keep. The strong exploited the weak, and the powerful often pursued their own interests rather than God’s justice.

Then Jesus arrived.

Jesus didn’t simply condemn the abuse of power. He completely redefined what true power looks like.

Instead of elevating Himself, He lifted others. He welcomed children, touched lepers, defended women, ate with sinners, healed the broken, and gave dignity to those society overlooked. Although He possessed all authority, He consistently chose humility over dominance, compassion over control, and service over status.

Jesus taught, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26), and then He demonstrated it by washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:1–17). Even more remarkably, He displayed the greatest act of power not by taking a throne, but by willingly laying down His life on the cross (John 10:17–18; Philippians 2:5–11).

America can remain united while we disagree.

The Church fulfills its calling when it lives in unity under Christ.

That’s the hope worth celebrating this Independence Day.