Election Day Advice from John Wesley

 
“For the Lord’s sake accept the authority of every human institution, whether of the emperor as supreme, or of governors, as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right” (1 Peter 2:13-14)

Next Tuesday (November 3) is Election Day here in the United States, and as registered voters head to the polls to cast our ballot, we would do well to remember the words of wisdom from John Wesley, founder of Methodism, in what he wrote to his fellow Methodists in the 1774 British Parliamentary elections:

“I met those of our [Methodist] Society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them,…

1) To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy;

2) To speak no evil of the person they voted against; And…

3) To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side.”

            [--From John Wesley’s Journal, October 6, 1774]

In today’s politically-charged culture, Wesley’s words are certainly ones we as followers of Christ should heed.  Whoever you vote for, remember that in the end, God is still on the throne, and that His ultimate plans can be neither improved upon nor thwarted by any human leader.

So, pray for our nation, for our candidates, for the eventual elected officials, and for we who are voters. Pray that not only would our leaders be Godly in their leadership, but that we would all allow God to lead us in our daily lives, as well.  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

The World Is A Better Place Because...

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,  ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!’” (Isaiah 6:8)

From time to time, all of us give excuses for not stepping out and being daring to help win a dying world to Christ. But think about how the world is a better place because of how some people in history said “yes” to God:

    The world is a better place...

            ...because Michelangelo didn't say, "I don't do ceilings."

            ...because Moses didn't say, "I don't do rivers."

            ...because Noah didn't say, "I don't do arks."

            ...because Jeremiah didn't say, "I don't do weeping."

            ...because Amos didn't say, "I don't do speeches."

            ...because Ruth didn't say, "I don't do mothers-in-law."

            ...because David didn't say, "I don't do giants."

            ...because Peter didn't say, "I don't do Gentiles."

            ...because Mary didn't say, "I don't do virgin births."

            ...because Paul didn't say, "I don't do letters."

            ...because Jesus didn't say, "I don't do crosses."

                                                            [--Dr. Leonard Sweet]

Generosity is about saying “yes” to God and answering His call to help “make the world a better place” as we offer to Him use of our spiritual gifts, talents, resources (financial or otherwise), personality, dreams, and even our experiences.  Remember that we are who we are today because others ahead of us were generous with who they were and what they had.  

God has already said “Yes!” to each of us by the giving of His own son Jesus for us – we’re called to say “Yes!” back through the offer of ourselves.  So, how will you say “yes” to Him by helping to make the world a better place through your church? 

In the words of this month’s stewardship focus, how will you “Unleash” your “Potential” (U.P.) and become even more of the person God created you to be by being more generous with your time, talents, money, and other resources that He has already entrusted to your care? Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

(Read more about our “U.P.” stewardship journey HERE – this link also includes a sample commitment card that you can fill out and keep for your records or turn in to the church office, as you choose.  I encourage you to complete it with your family today)

Called to Serve

“Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow....” (Isaiah 1:17)

One of our tasks and callings as people of faith is to touch and make a difference in the physical and material lives of people around us in our community and world.  We’re called to follow the example of Christ by serving others, not simply be served ourselves.  Growing up, I remember singing the words to one hymn that put it well:

     “Look all around you, find someone in need,

Help somebody today

 Tho’ it be little – a neighborly deed,

           Help somebody today!

 Help somebody today, somebody along life’s way;

 Let sorrow be ended, the friendless befriended,

            Oh help somebody today!

                     [--“Help Somebody Today” (Cokesbury Hymnal #67), lyrics by Frank Breck, 1932]

The founder of Methodism John Wesley is said to have encouraged something similar nearly 200 years before when he wrote the following:

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can,

 In all the ways you can, in all the places you can,

 At all the times you can, to all the people you can,

 As long as you ever can.”

Over the next week, I invite you to look around you and find someone that you can help/serve.  Maybe its someone at your work, a neighbor down the street, one of our church’s homebound members, someone you know that has recently lost their job or had their hours cut back, or perhaps it is a stranger in another state who’s experienced loss from the recent hurricanes and storms. 

Whoever it is, I encourage you to be intentional about sharing your faith by making a difference in the lives of others!  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!