These famous words were spoken by Rodney King following his public beating by police officers and a week of rioting in Los Angeles. Many times, I ask it myself in relation to our society and the church. It appears that the early church also asked itself this question. In James 3:13-18 (MSG), the writer of this books states it this way:
"Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.
Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor."
Three things jump out at me and challenge me in this scripture. "It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts." The old adage of actions speak louder than words echoes in this verse. I often think more highly of myself in my head than how I live. The reminder here is to guard against that type of thinking. What does a holy life look like? It is "characterized by getting along with others." It can be difficult at times because other people can be difficult, and so can I. Finally, we are reminded that healthy community is a result occurs "...only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other..."
We need to treat others with respect and common decency. It is hard work, but it is how we are told we should act. Let's reflect God’s wisdom and not our own, and I think we can answer the Mr. King's question with, "It is possible."
Written by Chip Kelly
Territorial Lay Leader
Development Bureau Director
Well, did he see his shadow? I’m talking about Punxsutawney Phil, who had thousands of people gathered yesterday morning to observe what he would do. According to folklore, if February 2nd is a cloudy day, spring will come early. If it is sunny on this day, when Phil emerges from his burrow and sees his shadow, he returns to his snug nest, and the winter weather will persist for six more weeks. If you live in Staten Island, New York, you will wait for Staten Island Chuck, and if you reside in Cumberland, Maryland, Maryland Murray will determine the next six weeks of weather.
According to Groundhog Day organizers, the rodents' forecasts are accurate 75-90% of the time. However, a Canadian study for 13 cities in the past 30 to 40 years found that the weather patterns predicted on Groundhog Day were only 37% accurate over that time period. According to StormFax Weather Almanac and records kept since 1887, Punxsutawney Phil’s weather predictions have been correct 39% of the time. Based on the law of averages, you and I can do better than that. In reality, the groundhog has shown no talent for predicting the arrival of spring, especially in recent years.
Did you know that February 2nd is also known as Candlemas Day? Candlemas is a Christian holiday, known as the "Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple". It is believed that Jesus’ mother, Mary, presented her son to God at the temple in Jerusalem after observing the traditional 40-day period of purification of mothers, following his birth. Scriptures record that a righteous and devout man named Simeon had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Messiah. Luke tells us that the Holy Spirit moved Simeon to go to the temple courts, and when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, Simeon took the baby in his arms and declared:
"God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised.
With my own eyes I’ve seen your salvation; it’s now out in the open for everyone
to see: A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your
people Israel" (Luke 2:29-32 MSG).
More than 30 years later, Jesus said of himself: "I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12 NIV)
This two-fold promise is for everyone who will trust in Christ and accept the salvation He brings. By trusting Him, we need never walk in darkness because His Spirit lives within us, and He is Light. We also have the privilege of reflecting this Light of the World in all the circumstances of our daily lives.
This reflection will bring hope and encouragement to all who see it.
Did the groundhog see his shadow? It doesn't matter. If we choose to follow Christ, we will walk in the light of God which leads to the everlasting springtime of eternal life.
Written by Gloria Hohn
Asbury Park Corps
