Measuring the Next Four Years
During this historic Inauguration week we hear forecasts from economists, diplomats, journalists, politicians, and doctors, but what might we, as people of faith, like to see in the next four years?
Using the Bible as our roadmap and Jesus as our guide, here are some ideas:
We would like to see the poor better off.
Jesus had such a heart for the poor and spent nearly all his time and energy improving their lot. This is a plea for more attention to the plight of ’the least of these.' The richest nation in the world should not have 550,000 people sleeping outside every night. 2,000 children in affluent Oakland County should not be without a home. Can we find a way to use our vast wealth and power to improve living conditions of those so close to Jesus’ heart?
We would like to see the environment better off.
As stewards of God’s creation, who are responsible not just to our Lord, but to our children and their children, how are the decisions we’re making today about energy production and consumption, recycling and reuse, conservation and preservation, reflecting our convictions? Can we find a way to muster Our shared sense of care for the health of our environment to productive ends?
We would like to see our society behave more civilly.
It’s a complaint we hear (and make) all the time. And we know that civility is a real impediment to progress. We know that the more we fight on deck, the greater risk that the ship goes down. And living out something most of us agree on, Jesus’ Golden Rule, shouldn’t be so hard. In our uber-connected world, can we find some way to agree that the way we treat others is not only a reflection of who we are, but of the way we treat God?
We would like to see more racial justice.
Race relations in our country remain poor. The marks made by 400 years of slavery do go awayquickly. And while our country has made strides, the average American white family, for example, has a net worth of $171,000 and the average black family has a net worth of $17,000. This points to deep and lasting systemic problems that need continued attention. At the heart of Jesus’ ministry was justice, he died for it. Can we take the momentum from last summer’s racial reckoning to new levels in the years ahead?
We would like to see greater economic equality.
Do we want to be a country ruled by plutocrats? Our society concentrates 90% of its wealth in the hands of 1% of its people. America is no longer the land of dreams it once was: it’s now far easier to rise above the class you’re born in in Denmark, Japan, Germany, and Australia, just to name a few. What can be done to stop the death spiral of ’the rich getting richer’ so that those who need it most don’t tend to get it least?
Lord God Almighty, who hast made all the peoples of the earth for thy glory, to serve thee in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with thy gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP p 207)
As we move into a new chapter in our national life, I invite you to stay connected with the Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations for suggestions about engagement with our government. In this time of division, you might also want to check out Make Me an Instrument: A Guide to Civil Discourse, a free course from ChurchNext.
Let us pray for President Trump and President Biden and for all who hold authority. And let us never cease to work and pray for the good and well-being of all people.
And may we see the next 4 years bring us closer to God's kingdom than ever never before.
