“Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26)
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Today, we pause to honor the life of President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100. While history will remember him as the 39th President of the United States, his legacy stretches far beyond his time in the Oval Office. He was not only a statesman but also a peacemaker, a builder, a teacher, and a servant—living out his faith with remarkable humility and purpose.
Jimmy Carter often said, “My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can.” And he did just that. After leaving the presidency, he dedicated himself to serving others, modeling what it means to be faithful in both word and deed. He built homes with Habitat for Humanity, monitored elections in struggling democracies, and fought tirelessly to eradicate disease and poverty worldwide. In every season of his life, he carried the conviction that service is not something we retire from—it is something we live into.
Carter’s life reminds us that greatness is not measured by titles or accomplishments but by the love and care we extend to others. He showed us that faith is not just something we believe but something we embody through action. In a world so often marked by division, greed, and self-interest, his example invites us to ask: What am I building with my life? Am I building walls or bridges? Am I adding to the noise of fear, or am I planting seeds of hope?
Perhaps one of Carter’s most enduring lessons is that service is an act of faith in the future. Whether he was swinging a hammer at a construction site or negotiating peace between nations, his work pointed toward something greater—toward a vision of justice, compassion, and dignity for all people. His life invites us to believe in the possibility of transformation, even in times of deep uncertainty.
In honoring Jimmy Carter, we are also called to carry his legacy forward. We don’t need to be presidents to make a difference. We can start where we are—with a neighbor in need, a community project, or a cause that calls for justice. As Carter showed us, the measure of our lives is not in how much we achieve but in how deeply we serve.
May we each find the courage to follow his example—to act with integrity, to care with compassion, and to leave the world better than we found it.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
What small acts of kindness or justice can you commit to this week?
How can you cultivate hope and work for peace, even in the face of challenges?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Servant Leadership
God of Love,
We give thanks today for the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter.
We are grateful for his faithfulness, his humility, and his tireless work for justice and peace.
Teach us to follow his example—
To serve with compassion,
To lead with integrity,
And to trust that even the smallest acts of kindness
Can help build a better world.
May his life remind us
That greatness is found in service
And that faith calls us to action.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Serving in Honor of Carter’s Legacy
Honor Jimmy Carter’s legacy by committing to an act of service. Begin by reflecting on the needs around you. Is there a cause you feel drawn to? A neighbor who could use support? A local organization that could use your time or resources?
Once you’ve identified a need, take one step to meet it. It could be volunteering at a shelter, donating to a food pantry, writing letters to advocate for justice, or simply reaching out to someone who needs encouragement. As you serve, let it be an offering—an act of faith that even small efforts can create ripples of change.
Finally, take a few quiet moments each day to reflect on Carter’s life and his belief in the power of service. Pray for the courage to follow his example, trusting that acts of love, no matter how small, help build a more just and compassionate world.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
January 9, 2025, 12pm ET - What Does the TikTok Ban Mean for Churches, Faith Leaders, and Digital Ministry? Register here.
January 12, 2025, 3-4:30pm ET - Join me for a FREE conversation on “Progressive Islam – Universal Values vs. the Politics of Human Rights – What’s the Difference Between a Progressive Muslim and Other Muslims?” with Ani Zonneveld. Register here.
February 6, 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation “Mindful Healing: Tools For Inner Balance and Wellbeing” with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi. Register here.
February 11, 2025 - Diana Butler Bass and I will be geeking out together in an online event about the state of the world (post-inauguration). We are still putting the details together. For now, mark your calendars.
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more.
August 11, 2025, 2pm ET - Dr. Andrew Root and I will be hosting a 6 part series on Spirituality in the Secular Age based on his research. The dates are August 11, 18, September 8, 15, and October 6, 13. Mark your calendars! More on this soon.
October 15-18, 2025 - Converging 2025: Sing Truth Conference (all musicians invited!) at Northwest Christian Church in Columbus, OH. Mark your calendars for now. More info is coming.
Recently, I drafted a Strategic Framework for Congregations as we move into the coming years of increased authoritarianism around the world. If interested, you can download it here.