|
Friends United Meeting |
 |
March 2001
Valiant for Truth
By Retha McCutchen
Recently I've been reflecting on Psalm 20:7 where the psalmist writes:
"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will trust in
the name of the Lord our God." What do those words mean today in
a Christian Quaker context?
Might weÉ
Insert money and acquisitions,
or Power and position,
or Friends history and tradition,
or Family and friendsÉ
Across the worldwide family of Friends United Meeting, there are cultures that would lead us into all of these possibilities. My personal commitment, and one I would pray for Friends United Meeting, is that we trust solely in the name of the Lord our God. We are challenged to live selfless lives, committed to the well being of others--yes, even at the expense of our own comfort or desires. Those of us in North America are accustomed to wealth, freedom, and power in ways unknown to most of the people of the world.
What does it mean in my/our context to trust only in the name of the Lord our God? Personally, at this moment it means giving money beyond my normal tithe to assist people in Africa. For Marian Baker, it means giving up driving on smooth roads, drinking tap water and regular electricity to live in Kaimosi, Kenya. For Wayne and Kay Record Carter it meant giving up six months of their time as Wayne served without salary as Interim General Secretary.
What might trusting only in the name of the Lord our God mean to you?
Copyright (c) 2001 Friends United Meeting
Return to March 2001 Contents page