November 4, 2005

To every generation there is given the way and means to, in some measure, affect a meaningful legacy for those who follow after.  At times the path to such an outcome is obvious, while at others, the road is gradual and veiled in mists of worry, weeping, and weariness.

How do we steward today the power that we have over tomorrow?  Will our choices in daily living, not to mention the impending elections and levees, positively transform the future of children in our homes, our neighborhoods, and our community?  And will they be sufficient to address the needs of those who are now dependent on assistance that senior services provide them?

For the Christian in particular, with the love of Jesus compelling us to lift up others, the wisdom of God’s Spirit guiding us in the administration of that love, and fervent passion for the glory of the Father catapulting us to action, we may not remain silent and aloof from the needs and opportunities to make a difference that have been presented to us.

For example, although my wife and I are homeschooling our children, convinced as we increasingly are of the value and effectiveness of home education, we realize that not everyone is suited for such a choice.  Furthermore, I have had the privilege of knowing and working with many excellent teachers in this area and I am convinced of their giftedness as educators as well as their integrity in the pursuit of the genuine teaching of the children of Gallipolis and Gallia County.

As an area pastor, in addition to my continuing involvement in higher education at the University of Rio Grande, I perceive a decline in morale among our gifted educators:  it is difficult to teach when one feels that the community-at-large does not care.

            This ought not be.  The lives of the people of Gallia County and of Gallipolis have been knit together for purposes that transcend personal agendas.  So, whether we’re contemplating the condition of area school buildings or other services to those in genuine need, it is therefore imperative that we “heed the signs” and allow the “attitude of Christ” to direct us in the choices that we are about to make in Gallia County this coming Tuesday.

            “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.  Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.  Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, Who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.  Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:1-8 NAS).

            Christians are free in Christ, but have not been made free to live selfishly.  It is both reasonable and appropriate for God’s people to consider ways in which they can make things better for a world that they themselves may never see.  “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act” (Proverbs 3:27 NIV).

            With all the practical and logical reasons that can be spelled out to support the upcoming levees (many of which have been insightfully articulated by many contributors in the last several weeks), it would be nice indeed to think that “Christians” in Gallia County and in Gallipolis would allow their love for the Lord to be the bottom line in how they respond to a door now open to us.

            In the end, the questions for a child of God are simply, “If Jesus’ Spirit is truly living in my heart as both Savior and Lord, how will He now have me cast this vote with which I’ve been entrusted?  How may I bring Him pleasure through my participation in the election this Tuesday?  How can I be a real and present blessing to those with whom my life has been joined in this community?”

            May we each act, speak, and vote according to how He guides our conscience.  If we open our hearts to allow His love and goodness to shape our choices, He will open gates of blessings for us, our children, and our community.

            “…I am looking for what may be credited to your account….  (Your gifts) are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.  And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:17b, 18b-19 NIV).

(Thom Mollohan and his family have ministered in southern Ohio the past ten years.  He is the pastor of Pathway Community Church.   For comments or questions, he may be reached by email at pastorthom@pathwaygallipolis.com).