Do words matter?
Matters of Faith
By Bascom Ratliff, pastor
Beagle/Fontana/Parker United Methodist Church
Matthew 12: 33-37. “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make it bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Today's message is inspired by the numerous political ads that I received in the mail and seen on TV over the past several weeks. I have to admit that I have been deliberate about avoiding politics because I believe that sometimes political values conflict with my Christian values. I believe in God and my following Jesus always takes precedence in my life. My prayer is to always remain committed to following a loving and risen Christ.
The great volume of political ads that I've been exposed to have encouraged me to do more detailed research on the claims and distortions of these various ads. I also believe that Jesus, our Lord and Savior, addresses some of those issues in the Matthew passage; our words and behavior largely define our character and faith.
I find it very difficult to trust any message, or any person, who deliberately distorts the truth for financial, personal, or political gain. However, I trust in God's word and I trust in the message that God's love is the one great commandment and that following Jesus is the one great task. Of course, God's love and message of forgiveness and inclusiveness are rarely mentioned in politics. Unfortunately, the issue of acceptance in God's kingdom through Jesus Christ and the care of others are also lost in nearly all political messages.
The point of today’s message is simply this, “choose to follow the words and will of Jesus.”
Continue to be an ambassador for Christ. Continue to pray. Continue to forgive. And always speak the truth from your heart about God's great love for everyone.
Although I do my best to avoid getting involved in political debate, I do not want to be blamed for being part of the silent majority who simply accept things without getting involved or falsely supporting politicians who blatantly lie about themselves or their opponents. I encourage you to exercise your citizenship by exploring the current issues facing our country. Let your representatives, and your religious leaders, know your opinions and views.
And above all, pray. I believe that God is involved in our lives. I believe that God hears our prayers and response to them. I believe that God loves us and wants us to love and care for others. And, I think God cares about those people or things that influence our lives.
I also think that anyone who excludes others, lies, and distorts the truth, is not following the words of Jesus. Regardless of your political orientation, I encourage you to seek the truth and to hold politicians, clergy, and community leaders accountable for their words. If anyone makes a promise, our expectation should be that they adhere to that promise. If we continue to accept distortions and lies, we will continue to be disappointed to continue to make poor decisions.
I continue to believe that apathy is one of the great tools of the devil. Given everything that's going on in the world and our country today, our active involvement and participation is absolutely necessary. As ambassadors of Christ we should continue to share the good news that God loves us and has invited us all to share in his bountiful kingdom.
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We will have Sunday morning services during the month September 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Parker, Kansas, United Methodist Church.
We will have Sunday morning services during the month of October 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Beagle United Methodist Church.
We will have Sunday morning services during the month November 2026 at 10a.m. at the Fontana United Methodist Church.
We serve communion on the first Sunday of each month.
All are welcome in God’s House. Come and celebrate with us.
Bascom Ratliff (913-710-5748)
Pastor: Parker/Beagle/Fontana
United Methodist Churches
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