“If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved; yet so as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:15)
One year ago (January 9, 2025), our nation honored the late former President Jimmy Carter in a state funeral in Washington, DC.
As I’ve personally reflected on the many remembrances from others of Carter’s accomplishments during his extraordinary century-long life — many of them related to his political career; the only enduring remembrances are related to what he had done as a devoted Christian disciple. In the 40 years following his defeat for a second term in the U. S. presidency, Carter used his stature as a former president to pursue the imperatives of the Gospel: Feeding the hungry, ensuring clean water for the thirsty, hospitality to the strangers amongst us, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick and the imprisoned. (Ref. Matthew 25: 31 – 46).
Contrast his stewardship with the apparent stewardship of others who have left similar official positions of power and privilege only to “cash-in,” or to secure a place far, far from poverty, trouble, and the disenfranchised.
The scriptures remind us that all of our work will be tested, as through fire. What we have done for ourselves will not survive this test. Only what we have done for God, and for others — as if it were for Christ, will survive.
Paul, in writing to the disciples in Corinth — which was like the New York City of Paul’s day — said: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) It is easy to commend the life of our brother Jimmy Carter as one worthy of emulating. Not for the perishable baubles and fickle accolades of this earthly existence; but, for the deeds that count for eternity and are commended by our Father and Creator, God. – Luther
Daily Encouragement 