caring for the least of these
Dear First Pres SLO Family,
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus, the Risen One, who walks with us as we live our lives and serve our neighbors.
It’s going to be a pretty challenging year in politics in the US of A. Now some of you will tense up just reading those words. That’s fine—I tensed up just writing them.
Election years seem to do that now, right? I’m old enough to remember enjoying the campaigns and debates and the exchange of ideas, all between friends who didn’t let their political views get in the way of their relationships.
That seems quaint, now.
Still, it’s our task and responsibility, especially when we’re engaged in the important questions of our day—it’s our calling to show people that Jesus followers can do this more graciously and more lovingly. That’s not so quaint—that just sounds like hard work we don’t want to do.
I have my own political views (that’s no sin for a pastor), and some will surprise people wherever they are on the issues map. It’s certainly not my place to impose them, but it is without question my responsibility to model and even nudge us into a healthier way of engaging these disagreements.
Henri Nouwen wrote this:
“For a Christian is only a Christian when they unceasingly ask critical questions of the society in which they live, and continuously stress the necessity for conversion, not only of the individual but also of the world.
A Christian is only a Christian when they refuse to allow themselves or anyone else to settle into a comfortable rest. They remain unsatisfied with the status quo.”
We are faithful representatives of Christ when we challenge the status quo in our society. It’s this line that draws me in: “A Christian is only a Christian when they refuse to allow themselves or anyone else to settle into a comfortable rest.” As long as there is racism, or oppression, or any other social condition that diminishes the value of one of God’s precious creations, it’s our job to agitate against it no matter what our political views might be.
Let me say that a different way: If your politics aren’t focused on making life better and fairer for the “least of these”, then those politics really don’t measure up to Christ’s call. Liberal or Conservative or Independent—" A Christian is only a Christian when they refuse to allow themselves or anyone else to settle into a comfortable rest.”
And so we’ll continue to see where the words of the actual Bible we have take us in the coming year. The Matthew 25 Project will continue to shape and guide our engagement with our community. Who could possibly disagree with caring for the least of these on our doorstep, when it’s Jesus himself who calls us to do it? I’m looking forward to moving forward with you all as we gradually, cautiously, open back up for the business of the Kingdom. Our goal is not to rest until we’ve made some significant and lasting difference for our neighbors in need.
Who’s in?
Blessings to you,
Pastor John