The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
for he founded it on the seas
and established it on the waters.
— Psalm 24:1-2
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
— Philippians 4:8-9
You may not have heard, but perfection has entered our world in the form of Lexie Vickery Adams. I know you may think me a bit biased in my opinion, but, she really is perfect in every possible way. I have pictures to proof it, if you need proof (I might even show you pictures whether you want to see them or not). Holding that little bit of heaven on Monday reminded me of all that is good, right, and true in life. I find myself thinking of the words of Robert Browning, “God is in his heaven, and all is right with the world.”
While we are clear that God is indeed in heaven, there is much that needs work in our world. All teasing about my perfect little granddaughter aside, I know there is imperfection in our world. Whether it is the imbalance of poverty, or the issues of race, or the presence of Covid, there are signs of need in our world. It seems to me that we need to be clear eyed about all that is good, right, true, honorable, and worthy of praise, while at the same time, seeing the needs that surround us. It will not do for people of faith to close our eyes to the pain that surrounds us. It will not do for us to see only the joy of my household and not the pain of my neighbor.
Ours is a faith that will always be measured by how the world is doing as much as it is by how we are doing. Dr. King famously observed, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
“I Refuse” — Josh Wilson
Sometimes I, I just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone's alright, when I know they're not
This world needs God, but it's easier to stand and watch
I could say a prayer and just move on, like nothing's wrong
But I refuse
'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse to
Sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose not to move
But I refuse
I can hear the least of these, crying out so desperately
And I know we are the hands and feet, of You, oh God
So if You say move, it's time for me to follow through
And do what I was made to do, and show them who You are
'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse to
Sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose not to move
But I refuse
Teach us, God of every nation, to see every question of national policy in light of our faith, that we may check in ourselves and in others every passion that makes for war, all ungenerous judgment, all promptings of self-assurance, all presumptuous claims. Grant us insight to recognize the needs and aspirations of other nations, and remove our suspicions and misunderstandings, that we may honor all people in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
— UMC Book of Worship #515
Pastor Tom Greener