At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you. – Philemon 1:22
If you read this column regularly, maybe you recall that I left a car at a body shop in Greenville well over a year ago. Having relocated from Indianola to South Carolina, when the work was done, I faced some logistical challenges retrieving the car – it was still not running properly. Steve Rosenthal told me that if I traveled to Indianola to fetch it, I was more than welcome to stay in his guest room at any time. I’m glad to know the Rosenthals. Steve cares.
In January of 2020, Indianola was reeling from the loss of numerous young people to gun violence. Kenny Featherstone invited pastors to participate in a Stop the Violence march. Though it was bitter cold when we gathered in the parking lot at Gentry High School, I experienced the warmth of community. This was the beginning of a good friendship (my wife served on the First Ladies United Fellowship). I’m glad to know the Featherstones. Kenny cares.
My eldest son Rainey is a Sheriff’s Deputy in South Carolina. He faithfully and compassionately serves his community. My youngest daughter is married to Mikey, a dedicated police officer near metro-Atlanta. I haven’t gotten to know Hollis Myrick, but I have deep respect for those who care enough to put their lives on the lines as law enforcement officers – especially as severely underpaid as they tend to be. I’m glad knowing that Hollis is willing to serve. Hollis cares.
As you might have guessed, I’m drafting this week’s column prior to hearing the official outcome of Tuesday’s mayoral election. Therefore, I don’t yet know which of these three men might be elected to serve the city for the upcoming term. What I DO know is that regardless of who is elected, the mayor of Indianola is someone who cares.
Sure, the office of mayor requires qualifications that go beyond just caring, but an attitude of concern for the community is an important and necessary start. Now that you have elected someone, real work begins. Concerned citizens ought to make known their needs and desires. As a pastor, I’d like you to prayerfully consider HOW you communicate with civic leaders.
The wise Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, opened his letter to the church in Philippi by saying, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3-5). He began by affirming his joy that they were a church of people who cared about Christ and the community. Later in the letter, Paul would hold them accountable with things like, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (2:4), “do all things without grumbling or disputing” (2:14), and “stand firm thus in the Lord” (4:1), as if he knew that even with Gospel in hand, they might stumble in their thoughts, words, and actions. But, I repeat, Paul BEGAN with acknowledging thankfulness to God for those who care for the covenant community in that town. Paul’s own attitude of gratefulness shaped what he said and how he said it. His tone also shaped how others would hear his message.
In His letter to Philemon, a slaveowner, Paul acknowledged his “beloved fellow worker”, representing two key realities: 1) Paul was willing to work with whomever God had placed in position of authority (cf. Romans 13) and 2) Paul was grateful that his audience was caring enough to demonstrate hospitality and be open to discussing the needs of the community (in particular, regarding a slave). Paul requested that a guest room be prepared for him. I’m guessing that Philemon was willing to accommodate him with joy.
Some topics can be awfully prickly. Some needs are so acute and pressing that discussing them can push emotions to the foreground. Indianola has pressing needs – gun violence, economic development, law enforcement. It is wonderful that so many people care. It is beautiful that God gives us opportunities to discuss and address. This Sunday, worship alongside your beloved fellow workers. And congratulations to the one who is eventually elected. Mr. Mayor, whoever you are, may you rejoice and join forces with ALL those who care. And prepare a guest room for me. You can leave the light on. Jesus is the light of the world.
