Proud and Privileged August 6, 2026
Monday was the Civic Holiday. Although it is neither federally nor provincially mandated, many Canadians gathered and enjoyed a time of rest, relaxation and celebration. Unlike Canada Day, Civic Holiday does not commemorate one defining historical event. Instead, it celebrates the communities where we live, work, worship, and care for one another. It gives us an opportunity to pause and thank God for the many blessings we enjoy in our remarkable neighbourhoods.
Our neighbourhoods here at Lanark Lodge may not be perfect, yet we have much for which to be thankful. We enjoy pleasant accommodations, lots of activities, nutritious food, good snacks and wonderful care. We have the freedom to be as active or as quiet as we want at any given time. We are blessed with friends and neighbourhoods that come together and by the freedom to gather openly in worship today.
As Christians, it is right to be grateful for our surroundings. But our appreciation should inspire something even greater: gratitude to God and a renewed commitment to live as faithful citizens of God’s Kingdom.
Today I’d like us to reflect on simple truths about living as faithful residents and faithful followers of Jesus Christ.
Every good gift comes from God. It is easy to focus on the problems around us: disagreements, uncertainty, healthcare challenges, and social division, even our nagging aches and pains. Those issues are real, but they should never prevent us from recognizing God’s goodness.
When we admire a basket of flowers, a lovely painting, a familiar song, or a pleasant memory, we are witnessing the handiwork of our Creator, reminding us to slow down, appreciate these gifts, and thank the One who gave them. These blessings deserve our appreciation, but they should never become our greatest source of identity.
The Apostle Paul reminds us: “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20) Paul wrote those words to people who understood civic pride. Roman citizenship carried enormous privileges. Yet Paul gently reminded believers that while earthly citizenship is valuable, it is temporary. Their eternal identity belonged elsewhere.
We have rights and freedoms but being Christian gives us purpose and teaches how to use those freedoms. Jesus expressed this balance beautifully when He said, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)
Christians are called to be responsible. We obey the law, pray for our leaders, contribute to our communities, and seek the common good. But our ultimate hope is never found in governments, political parties, or public policies. Our hope is found in Jesus Christ. That truth gives us perspective. We love, pray for and serve our friends and neighbours, but we worship only our Lord. Christ offers us freedom from sin, eternal life and an everlasting home. That is why our greatest allegiance will always belong to Him.
Jesus told His followers: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13–16) Notice that Jesus never tells His followers to withdraw from society. He tells us to influence it. Salt preserves. Light illuminates. Both make the world around them better.
Imagine what Lanark Lodge would look like if every resident, every Christian, intentionally lived those words. Perhaps our friendships and neighbourhoods would become more united, we would be more compassionate and understanding, and we would be a model of honesty, humility, and integrity. We would be places of grace because of patience and love.
History reminds us that followers of Jesus helped establish hospitals, schools, food banks, shelters, and countless ministries of compassion across our country. Yes, we made mistakes and sometimes got lost, but God’s Grace has and continues to refocus us through atonement and reconciliation. The Christians’ greatest contribution has never been political power, It has always been transformed lives that transformed communities.
The prophet Jeremiah once instructed God’s people, living as strangers in Babylon, to seek the welfare of the city where they lived, to pray for it, and to work for its peace. That instruction still speaks to us today. Christians should be among Canada’s and Lanark Lodge’s best residents.
We should pray for our leaders, even when we disagree with them. We should care for those who are vulnerable, protect the dignity of every person and be voices of hope, even when we ourselves suffer injustices. When people encounter followers of Jesus, they should experience kindness, compassion, and hope. That is how God’s Kingdom quietly transforms.
Finally, Civic Holiday reminds us of something we easily forget in our busy lives. Rest is God’s gift. From the very beginning of creation, God established a rhythm of work and rest. Rest is not laziness. It is an act of trust. When we pause, we acknowledge that the world continues because God sustains it—not because we do.
Perhaps this holiday offers us an opportunity not only to reconnect with the One who gives every good gift, but to take time to notice the beauty around us, listen to conversation and laughter, smell a flower or watch a sunset and to give thanks for attentive caregivers, safe lodging, faithful friends, and the countless other blessings we often overlook.
As we celebrate, let us thank God for this beautiful nation, a place to call home and for those who have built our communities, defended our freedoms, cared for their neighbours, and left us a legacy of service. Let us recommit ourselves to living as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. We will be united not by the flag of our country but the grace of Jesus Christ.
May our neighbours see in us the transforming love of Christ. May God bless our communities. May God bless Canada. May God bless us. Amen