Word for Word 9/9/26 submitted by Rev. Kim Gates

“Back-to-school” has happened for most public schools - a joy for parents and a concern for most of the kids. I, too, will be attending continuing education events in October, so I’m reminded that we are never too old to learn something new.

One of the reasons graduation is referred to as “commencement” is because you’re moving on to commence upon the next level of education - whether that means a degree program or just living life in the “real world.”

When it comes to our relationship with God, there will never be a time when you “graduate” with all the knowledge and answers to life’s questions. When young people are Confirmed into membership that doesn’t signal the end of their Christian education, it is to be a “commencement” to the next level of learning and relationship.

Yet how many times do you hear, “we confirm (or baptize) these kids and then we never see them again”? The secular world has infiltrated the church and given false impressions that once you reach a certain point or level of accomplishment then you don’t need keep going forward - just rest on your laurels!

But this is not the time to be resting - our communities, our nation, and our world need us as those who claim Jesus Christ as Savior, A.K.A. Christians. They need representation of Christ-like behavior to guide moral, ethical, and social standards that reflect love and respect for ALL.

So, if people give you push-back for doing “what Jesus would do,” then explain it to them: you are trying to be the best imitation of Jesus you can be. By feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, caring for the sick and visiting the imprisoned you are doing what Jesus would do (Matt. 25). Jesus did not discriminate for any reason - Jesus freely healed, fed and taught people who were not Jewish as a demonstration that the Kingdom of God is for all and that God’s love is for all.

Our current social climate and culture of “us versus them” has got to change because it drives a wedge between people based on any difference! It assumes that the “us” is worthy and the “them” are not. Jesus said “love your neighbor as yourself” - that neighbor would be the “them” and the “us” is you/me, myself and I!

If we would put God first - Jesus did say that to love God with all your heart, soul and mind was the Greatest Commandment and the loving of neighbor as self was second (Matt. 22) - we will be working toward deepening our relationship and learning what it is God would lovingly have us do to fulfill God’s will (instead of our own) then the world would be “heaven on Earth”! Call me a Pollyanna, but its true!

So go “back-to-Sunday-school”/church and learn more about your faith so you can be that Christ-like example of sharing the love of God with ALL - including yourself!

Rev. Kim Gates 
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Waukon
and Monona United Methodist Church