Jeremiah 9:23-24: “Thus says the Lord: Do not let the wise boast in their wisdom, do not let the mighty boast in their might, do not let the wealthy boast in their wealth; but let those who boast boast in this, that they understand and know me, that I am the Lord; I act with steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord.”
As a journalist who closely follows the news and one who accepted Christ as Lord and Savior 55 years ago, I have been appalled to hear pollsters report how modern society is defining the term “evangelical Christian,” which is how I have long and proudly defined myself. In summarizing the responses they’ve received; the pollsters now describe evangelical Christians almost exclusively by a list of political beliefs; either last or not at all mentioned is any reference to belief in or allegiance to Jesus Christ.
I ask myself, with some frustration, how can this be? United Methodists since the time of John Wesley have long understood and proclaimed to others the “good news,” especially in the Easter season, that Jesus Christ died and rose to save us from our sins and to assume his rightful place in our redeemed lives as Lord in all things. This is the foundation upon which we make disciples of all nations for the transformation of the world.
We all engage in the world in different ways, including politically and culturally. We come from different circumstances and levels of accomplishment. And it’s so easy to get caught up in our daily passions as we live and compete in an increasingly secular world.
And yet the prophet Jeremiah reminds us that what we might value in the world – wisdom, riches, power – are of less importance than seeking and knowing God who acts “with steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight says the Lord.” Understanding and living out God’s values, as we obey the commandments and follow the example of Jesus, is how we grow closer to God and mature in our discipleship.
Jesus, showing perhaps a bit more tenderness than the prophet Jeremiah, acknowledged to those who followed him that we have many daily needs and concerns, but insisted we still need to put God first. “But strive first for the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well,” he promised. And he later tells his disciples, “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love… This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:8-10, 12)
However, the world tries to define me, as an evangelical Christian I choose to define myself as someone who has been saved by grace through Jesus Christ, earnestly desires to serve him as Lord, by learning and following his commandments and example, including his desire for us to love each other. This is what I believe all United Methodists are called to be. After all, as Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Let us pray.
Dear Jesus, your love and grace make us whole, and your forgiveness cleans us whenever we confess our sins to you. Help us to resist the temptation to put other things in our life before you. Help us to see ourselves through your eyes alone and to seek first, always first, your Kingdom and your righteousness. We thank you for allowing us to abide in your love as adopted sons and daughters. Fill us deeply with your loving Spirit so that we might at all times and in all ways share your love with everyone we meet. And through that love we show, may everyone we meet know that we are disciples of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Ken Ripley is a Certified Lay Minister in the Heritage District, as well the District Lay Servant Ministry Director.
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