Food For Thought…or Grist For The Mill

August 20, 2025

Leadership Notes

     Last Saturday morning, with predictions for rain coming, I did about three hours’ worth of yard work. Mowing, edging, trimming things back; you know the routine. I love working outside, especially when it’s hot. I have to say, last Saturday morning capped off the most tropical stretch of weather conditions since we moved here in 1991. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.

     Abi Wilkinson writes for “The Guardian,” a British publication that also has a presence in the United States. She recently wrote:

“Why not fund the welfare state with a 100% inheritance tax?

The idea that we should be able to pass on our life’s accumulated

wealth is deeply embedded. But imagine if we could use that

money for the greater good.”

Putting aside political affinities and affections, how do you think Biblically about this?

     In Philippians 4:4-7, Paul writes:

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your

reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not

be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and

supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known

to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Commenting on this passage, one man says, “Learning to surrender worries through prayer has brought me peace, knowing God is always listening and working things out for me and those I love.” Does this passage bring the same peace into your life?

     James 1:2-8 says:

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various

kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces

steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you

may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously

to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in

faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of

the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person

must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he

is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

Do you see trials as chances for joy and growth? Is perseverance building in your life? All challenges demand we ask God for strength in order to meet them.

INSTEAD OF DESIGNING A CHURCH SERVICE TO ATTRACT

PEOPLE, HAVE A SERVICE THAT ATTRACTS GOD. HE WILL DRAW

THE PEOPLE.

     A pastor observes:

“Paul planted a church in Corinth: a city filled with every kind of

brothel. To be a Corinthian was synonymous with fornication. He

informed the church to be set apart. To share the gospel and

behave differently from the sinners around them. He never told

them to amass political power to eventually outlaw sin in Corinth.

In Ephesus there was a temple to Diana with female priests. Paul

didn’t tell the church in Ephesus to appeal to the city council to

get women put in their place. He instructed the Christian women

to behave differently. To be set apart.

Again, I say, this movement to make Christianity the law of the

land is not the gospel. It’s not our assignment.”

What do you think? What is our assignment? How do we influence culture? {Next week, I’ll be talking about an article in “Columbia Magazine,” titled, “The Politics of Depression.” Come back for that!}

     Finally, Christian musician Zuby observes:

“I’m increasingly convinced there is a subset of the population

that doesn’t like being happy. And they hate it even more if other

people are happy.”

Here’s how Jesus puts it in John 16:33:

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have

peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I

have overcome the world.”

Another good way to translate, “But take heart,” is “Be of good cheer.” Most often than not, most of the time, does that describe you? A Christ-centered life is a joyful life.

     With Much Love and Affection,

                      Richard