What Does The Lord Require Of Us?
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
... And what does the Lord require of you (me, us)? Micah 6:8 gives us a very straight forward answer. When we look at all that is happening in our nation and world right now, how can we "be the change we want to see in the world" (Mahatma Gandhi)?
A change agent is a person who acts as a catalyst for change - transformation. God's sanctifying grace transforms us from the inside out to be the salt and the light to go change the world! When we act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God, we become "Alive Together In Witness" to this world!
George Couros, learner and educator, offers 5 characteristics of a change agent: 1) clear vision, 2) patient yet persistent, 3) asks tough questions, 4) knowledgeable and leads by example, and 5) strong relationships built on trust. Racial Justice is a journey that, in light of current events, many are seeking to gain a better understanding of and stand in solidarity with persons of color.
This edition of Our Connection Matters is filled with resources to help those seeking to lean into, speak to, and be a change agent for racial inequalities and racial reconciliation. It begins with each one of us by allowing the Holy Spirit to do the hard work deep within so we can then have impact in our homes, communities, and beyond!
These resources are assembled in one place to come alongside and meet each of us where we are on this journey. May we strive to become change agents in sharing our witness and living out our faith in Christ, moving towards healing and reconciliation wherever racial injustice exists.
In The United Methodist Church, we:
The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2016, ¶ 5
Racial Justice Resources:
Multiculturalism Resource Guide: Resources for Raising Awareness & Increasing Understanding
Breakdown of the Resource Guide:
Authentic Conversations Videos from the Multiculturalism Task Force
For questions or additional resources, please contact Allison Lindsey at allison@sgaumc.com.