The Challenging Work of Unity

Greetings in the Name of Christ,

The election is over, and now the challenging work begins. Our nation is divided like no other time in my life. Fortunately, there are signs today that the fears of violence were unfounded. The next few months will be a critical time for our beloved nation. 

For me, once the election is over, the time for unity begins. Despite our faults, our nation still stands as a bulwark for democracy and freedom. No matter how we voted this week, it is time to support the leaders of our nation and trust the governmental system which has preserved our way of life for almost 250 years.

Some will look at Washington and other government centers for the unity our country so desperately needs. For me, this work begins at home. Each of us is responsible for reaching across the divide of ideology. Some will look to the government to solve the problems of our nation. For me, each one of us is called to work on behalf of those whose needs are great. 

As brothers and sisters in Christ, now the hard work begins. 

As followers of Christ, there may be a new person in the White House, but Jesus still sits on the throne of God’s Kingdom. As citizens of this nation, there are laws that we follow to create a just and orderly community. But… as followers of Jesus, we follow the values of the Lord of life. With great hope for the future, let me quote the words of Jesus, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33)

Further, let us show the world a better way to live and build a better world. Let us live with every breath the values and the fruit of the Spirit which is, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). 

This Sunday I am excited to be preaching on 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. We are on a journey to make Stonebridge UMC Unstoppable for Christ and remember, our theme for the coming weeks is I’m ALL IN!

I hope you can join Amy and me in making these days the best ever for Stonebridge UMC by going to our pledge drive page to make your service and financial commitments to our work for Christ. 

See you Sunday!

Pastor John Allen