One of the things I love most about living in Nevada is the spirit of the people who live here. I’m almost ashamed to admit I’m not a Nevadan by birth, but I can’t help myself but get carried away with the intense patriotic spirit along with those who are. I love how Nevadans are so true to love and support their state. Nevadans’ patriotism for Nevada is as fierce as Texans’, as far as I can see.
With Nevada Day celebrations at hand, where we celebrate Nevada’s statehood, we see the beauty of being united as a nation, yet separate as a state. Nevada is truly unique with its unique gifts and treasures, but it’s also a vital part of the union of the United States of America. Without Nevada, the union would not be the same, and when Nevada suffers, the union suffers with it.
So it’s also with those who profess in Christ. We’re united, yet separate. Distinctly individual with our own set of talents and treasures, yet united in Christ and one with his church.
In 1 Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul uses the analogy of the body to show we’re all interconnected and there’s no special prominence placed on one member of the body over another. All parts of the body are needed and treated with respect. So it’s with Christ. We’re each a part of his body, the church universal; each given unique talents and abilities according to his design. Each part needed and worthy of respect.
The theme of this year’s Nevada Day Parade is “One State, Many Cultures,” and I like that theme. It reminds us in our diversity we are united as Nevadans; we can stand together and celebrate one another in the spirit of patriotism. Let us remember as the church to stand together and celebrate one another as part of one body with the common unifier, which is Christ.
Lt. Leslie Cyr is an officer in the Salvation Army at 661 Colorado St. For more information, go to carsoncitysalarmy.org.
