Lent Greetings OCC Family,
Earlier this week, our nation watched as our 47th President of the United States delivered the State of the Union address. Of course, the responses varied widely. Some felt encouraged; many felt disappointed. Social media as usual erupted with opinions, and conversations became once again, tense. Unfortunately, we have found ourselves in the same place we did just a few years back when political beliefs have divided households and fractured friendships.
Cultural tensions can support our spiritual growth, however. Ask me how? Well, they refine our devotion like fire refines gold. What rattles us reveals where our trust truly lies. Times like these invite more than reaction. They invite reflection and Lent is a season for that kind of holy examination. As we journey toward the cross, we must ask ourselves an important question: Where do we place our ultimate hope? What union really defines us? Perhaps it’s time to consider a different kind of address, a State of Our Union for the family of God.
To this point, the Apostle Paul gives us our anchor in 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” Paul wrote to a divided church in Corinth, they argued about leaders and struggled with failures. Still, his counsel remains timeless: be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work.
Why is this important? It is important because we belong to a family transcending every earthly nation and political party. Our primary identity comes from being children of God. Philippians 3:20 reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven. The family of God operates by different values. Where the world says, “defeat your enemies,” Jesus says, “love your enemies.” In this Lenten season, we remember Jesus walked the path of humility and sacrificial love. We are called to do the same.
So, what does it mean to abound in the Lord’s work right now? Two areas call for our attention: unity and prayer. Unity does not require uniformity. We will hold different political opinions, and that is okay. What matters is refusing to let those differences destroy our love for one another. Guard your words. Choose to listen well. Become peacemakers in your homes and communities.
Prayer must be our other focus. Commit to praying for our nation and its leaders, regardless of party affiliation. Pray for your church family, asking God to strengthen bonds of love. Pray for yourself, inviting God to reveal any bitterness or fear keeping you from abounding in love and service.
In all, remember as you choose the way of Christ “your labor is not in vain.” When you choose love over anger, your effort matters. When you pray instead of posting a heated comment, God hears. When you extend grace to someone who voted differently, you reflect Christ. The state of our union as God’s family? We are alive, growing, learning to love better each day. As we are in the season of Lent, fix your eyes on Jesus. Be steadfast in faith. Be immovable in love. Always excel in the Lord’s work. Your labor is not in vain.
Steadfastly with you,
Rev. Tam
