The Church’s Response to an Uncertain World: Faith, Prayer, and Compassion

by

Louisiana Annual Conference | November 4, 2024

Sisters, Brothers, Friends, and acquaintances of The Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church, 

Today is November 4, the day before the 2024 elections on Tuesday, November 5. 

Many of you have or are preparing to express your right to vote in a fair and free election to elect leaders for our country and in our local and state communities.

We know that the election cycle has been incredibly contentious this year and, for that matter, the past four years. There has been a steady stream of news on various media outlets and nearly all social media platforms. 

There are many concerns weighing on our hearts and minds.

There is angst about the economy. 

There is war around our world, violence in our neighborhoods, and there are families in great need of necessities, such as food, shelter, and clothing. 

In times like these, you need a Saviour, in times like these, you need an anchor; be very sure, be very sure your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

_ Ruth Caye Jones

There is a pressing need for equitable, accessible healthcare for all, addressing gaps that leave many women, men, and children without essential services.

Our communities need more secure jobs and greater access to robust education for young people and future leaders.

While the needs around us are significant, the uncertainty we face feels just as heavy.

As a result, fears are being stoked, and compassion seems fleeting. 

So...

What, then, are we, the Church, disciples of Jesus Christ, called to do?

I am reminded of an old hymn written in the 1940s by Ruth Caye Jones: 

Verse one says this:

In times like these, you need a Saviour,

in times like these, you need an anchor;

be very sure, be very sure

your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

Some attribute Hebrews 6:19-20 as the inspiration for her song.

We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus, a forerunner on our behalf, has entered, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Friends, in this highly politicized time, we will most certainly hear breaking news over the next several days and even weeks to come. 

Sadly, we will hear more words that will continue hurting others. 

Yet, this is a time when we, as Christ's disciples, must make a choice and decide if our own anchor will hold. 

Two things come to mind that can help us. 

First, we can pray.

Pray that God's will be done. 

Pray that we live God's words by loving God, loving ourselves, and loving our neighbor unconditionally, for this is the core of what we are called to do and be as Christ's disciples.

Hold fast to your faith, dear friends, and remember that God invites us all to step forward into God's mission field, where Jesus Christ calls us to serve with purpose and HōPE!

Second, we can decide who we are as followers of Jesus Christ by following the golden rule to do to others as we would ourselves (Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31). 

We can commit ourselves to living as disciples in the United Methodist tradition, embracing social holiness by seeking justice, compassion, and service, both individually and together.

We can do this by living out our faith in God's mission field by not just praying but putting our faith into action as we know the needs of our communities very well. 

We can and must do this even in times of uncertainty as we remember we have an anchor in Jesus Christ, and that Jesus Christ, our anchor and solid rock, will hold us.

Hold fast to your faith, dear friends, and remember that God invites us all to step forward into God's mission field, where Jesus Christ calls us to serve with purpose and HōPE.

Grace and Peace,

Bishop Delores J. Williamston

Bishop Williamston is the resident bishop of the Louisiana Annual Conference. This post is republished from the conference website.