Jan 25, 2007 4 min read

Scripture reading: Matthew 22:15-22 and 34-39. Text: “I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your CONCERN for me. Indeed, you have been CONCERNED, but you had no opportunity to show it.” Philippians 4:10. In our community, we had the worship service for the Christian Unity Service last Sunday in the First United Methodist Church with several clergymen participating. It was an uplifting experience emphasizing our common goal and unity. In some countries, praying for Christian Unity lasts a whole week. Now it is over, and we should start to practice for what we have prayed.

One of the first steps to strengthen our friendship and fellowship as brothers and sisters is to show our concern for each other. In our text, this word appears as a noun and also as a verb, because we can SHOW OUR CONCERN and also WE CAN BE CONCERNED.

Our Scripture reading consists of two episodes; in the first we learn about a controversy, should the people pay tax to Caesar or not? Jesus solved the problem by saying: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Matthew 22:21; in the second story we learn about the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:38-39. Thus our Lord had made it clear that we should show our concern for God, the state, our fellowmen, and ourselves.

HOW CAN WE DEFINE OUR CHRISTIAN CONCERN IN THE FIRST DECADE OF THE 21st CENTURY?

On the INDIVIDUAL level we should be concerned about a person’s REPENTANCE and SALVATION. “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26.

Among our FRIENDS and neighbors we should be concerned about GOODWILL and fellowship. Our Lord had set the example: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends . . .” John 13:13-14.

Most of us live in a COMMUNITY and we should be concerned about our fellow citizens’ WELFARE and WELL-BEING. We should not be surprised that even the Bible requires it: “. . . seek the peace and PROSPERITY OF THE CITY . . .” Jeremiah 29:7.

The SOCIETY can be the hotbed of good intention or discrimination, of respecting the order or lawlessness, of unity in diversity or mutual hatred; thus we should be concerned very much about LAW AND ORDER as well as JUSTICE, as the prophets had mentioned it: “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.'” Zechariah 7:9-10. Prophet Micah had said the same, please read Micah 6:8.

The various DENOMINATIONS should be concerned about getting closer to each other instead of splitting and seceding using the different interpretations of the Bible and traditions as an excuse. The challenge for unity had been given by our Savior: “my prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that ALL OF THEM MAY BE ONE, father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” John 17:20-21. Please read also John 10:16.

Every citizen of our country should be concerned about our NATION that we continue to live in FREEDOM and enjoy PROSPERITY. Besides the political freedom the spiritual freedom is also important, and this what the Bible says about it: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17. Freedom means vigilance and responsibility; prosperity requires hard work, diligence, and honesty.

Finally, on the INTERNATIONAL level, not only the people, but first of all the leaders of the nations should be concerned about maintaining PEACE and just trade agreements. Most of the sacred of books of the major religions advocate peace. One of the names of Christ is: “Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6. Please read also John 14:27.

One principle should become clear to all of us, the higher level we reach – from the individual to the international – the more “STRUCTURE” is needed. Without organized religion (and democratic government as well) it is very hard to strive for social justice, honest business, peace among the brethren, and strong economy. How can one show care and concern for others if he/she does not belong to an organization? Let us show our concern for others as the Philippians had done it for Apostle Paul.

The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.