Spiritual Musings
What Serves the Common Good?
At a recent Lenexa Chamber of Commerce luncheon, a writer for the Kansas City Star, challenged those of us living in the Metro area, on both sides of the state line, to think more earnestly about what would serve the common good. My ears were alert because long ago the Apostle Paul challenged the church at Corinth to use their spiritual gifts for the common good. Public opinion regarding congress is at an all time low, largely because preferences, personal success, and ideologies have undermined efforts to work together for the common good. It is significant that the needs of unemployed veterans has provided a hopeful sign. How might this be a lesson to Christians both inside and outside the church?
Pastor Jack
Occupy Wall Street Movement
Throughout history populist movements rise up to advocate for concerns within the government, or the church, that those in the movement feel are not being heard or reflected by their elected governing bodies. The women's suffrage movement, those who advocated for the ordination of women, the civil rights movement, Tea Party, or Occupy Wall Street efforts are all grassroots movements that either once sought or are currently seeking to make their witness.
It is always tempting to dismiss these movements either because they challenge the status quo, or because we feel their concerns would do more harm than good. Before we dismiss the concerns of persons who call for change, would it not be better to understand what has led to these movements? History will judge their concerns as either valid or invalid. In the mean time, loving God with our minds, as well as hearts, would suggest we better understand these movements before setting them aside. Below is an article that could be useful to a Sunday School class or other small group seeking to learn more about the Occupy Wall Street Movement.
Pastor Jack
How Will Christians Vote in 2012?
The political arena will continue to warm up as the 2012 elections approach. Partisan politics where pastors and congregations endorse candidates is not appropriate, in my judgement. However, Christians should be advocates for issues that are consistent with the life and teachings of Jesus. Christians can also model how people who hold diverse opinions and beliefs can practice civil discourse and value one another even when they disagree. The article below speaks to both points. Jim Wallis and Richard Land hold diverse views, but share a common desire to raise the banner for faith within the political arena. How might we learn from their witness?
Pastor Jack
Domestic Violence Awareness
Domestic violence is a subject seldom discussed in church but a subject that touches many lives across our nation. Victims of domestic violence are among those Jesus calls us to support. October is the month when the United Methodist Church intentionally works to raise awareness and support programs assisting persons facing intolerable situations in their lives. Please read the article below.
Pastor Jack
Fear or Islam Changed Prison
September 23, 2011
Fear of Islam Changed Prison
The mission statement of the United Methodist Church calls us to "Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World." Transforming the world leads us to texts like Matthew 25 and Romans 8. Matthew 25 reminds us that among the places we may find and serve Jesus is among those in prison. Romans 8 reminds us that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. The article below is a testimony to both the need for chaplains and the power of chaplains to be disciples of Jesus transforming the world among those in prison.
Chaplains help to make flesh the love of God from which we can never be separated. Since September 11, 2001, our nation has been gripped by fear that has led to greater awareness and the need for security from those who would do harm to others. Yet, fear can also lead us to be captured by the same evil we seek to defeat. The article below is a testimony to the power of love seeking to overcome fear.
Pastor Jack
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