United Methodist Advocate - Connecting Methodists in South Carolina Since 1837

Everyone is talking about it. The world as we know it is in trouble. The economy has had a major meltdown. People have lost their jobs, with predictions of more to come.

Retirement savings have been swept away. Frenzied by bargains, a Wal-Mart crowd trampled to death a young employee as he opened the doors. The news reports are filled with the rollercoaster of Wall Street. It is still uncertain whether the American automakers will be in business at this time next year. Those, who often see a glass as only half full, are now seeing only empty glasses.

Where is the hope as we begin a new year? Cynicism and doubt seem to be the new reality of our world. How can we in the church proclaim the message of God’s possibilities when there is so much suspicion and distrust?

My friends, I think we need to come at this from a different perspective. How can the church not proclaim God’s hope? In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote: “It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going. Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us?”

During this season of Christmastide, we are rejoicing once again in the birth of the Christ child. After December 25th, the decorations quickly get packed away for another year. The reality of God’s presence among us cannot be stored in the attic. God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women. They are his people. He is their God. And this same God proclaims, “Look! I am making everything new. Write it all down – each word dependable and accurate.”
I am thankful for the commitment of God’s people in the S.C. conference. People are sacrificing to be in ministry throughout the connection. I know it is hard in these economic times for our churches to fulfill all of their obligations. God is trusting us to do all within our power to be faithful to Christ’s ministry. I pledge to you that the annual conference is seeking to be fiscally responsible in all that we do, as well.

Mother Teresa penned some words that inspire me during these days: “People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered; Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friend and true enemies; Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you’ve got anyway. Give, you see in the final analysis, is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway.”

These are the best of times because God is with us.