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    United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.


    news article

    An Appeal to Our Better Angels

    June 1, 2020 / By  Deacon Carrie Wolfe, Christ UMC/Olean, NY

    The reality of free-will is both exhilarating and terrifying.  Accepting that I was created with the dignity to choose requires me to accept that the potential for both good and bad exists in me.

    Will I choose the original goodness God declared at the creation of humanity or will I choose the original sin of Adam and Eve, who decided to do things their way instead of God’s way?

    This question is not new and is intrinsically and continually asked by those who choose to follow Jesus on purpose.  However, I believe there is value in specifically contemplating our choices during a global pandemic that has prevented us from receiving, being transformed by, and responding to God’s love in ways we are used to…namely together and at church.

    Some theologians, authors, and at least one U.S. President, when approaching this inner choice that informs all outward choices, have appealed to one’s “better angels.”

    “Better angels” are the choices that reflect the original goodness God declared at our creation.  God said we were “very good,” so the question is, are my choices very good?

    The following are offered for your consideration as you seek to be a disciple of Jesus Christ who, while at home and separated from your church family, is continuing to intentionally choose the “better angels.”

    Am I, with child-like faith, seeking above all else, the kingdom of God (the reign of God’s love) in my life and home?                                                                                                      (Mark 10:15, Matthew 6:33)

    Am I reminding myself, especially while watching or reading the news, that God has not given me a spirit of fear but rather a spirit of power, love, and sound mindedness? (2 Timothy 1:7)

    In the midst of suffering, am I allowing God’s love to enable me to persevere so that my character develops and so that my hope deepens?                                                          (Romans 5:3-4)

    In the midst of grief, am I choosing to read and meditate on the Living Word of God? (Hebrews 4:12, John 1:1, 2 Timothy 3:16, Matthew 4:4, Psalm 119:105)

    When visiting is not permitted, am I choosing to keep company with Jesus through all kinds of prayers (including the prayer Jesus taught his disciples)?                                   (Matthew 11:30 in the MSG, Ephesians 6:18, Luke 11:1-13)

    When singing could spread the virus, am I choosing an attitude of worship that thanks and praises God for who God is, what God has done, what God is doing, and what God will do?                                                                                                                                            (Romans 12:1, John 4:24, Colossians 3:14-17, 1 Chronicles 16:34)

    In the absence of the Eucharist, am I living sacramentally (as broken bread and poured out cup)?                                                                                                                                          (Psalm 51:17, Philippians 2:17)

    Am I hoarding or am I generously sharing what I have?                                                    (Hebrews 13:16)

    When virtual church makes anonymity or worse, absence, easy, am I remaining loyal to The Church (God’s idea) and The Church’s Creed (The Apostles’ Creed has been passed down to us from the saints who came before us and entrusted to us to pass down to the those who come after us – it helps us articulate what we believe to ourselves and others)?                                                                                                               (Matthew 16:18, Matthew 26:33-35, 2 Timothy 3:15, 2 Peter 2:1-3, Genesis 1:26)

    Am I making good use of this cosmic pause by choosing to allow God’s love to transform any of my thinking, feelings, and/or behaviors that are harmful to me or others?                                                                                                                                          (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20)

    Am I choosing, as Christ did, to lay down my life for my friends and family (even when or especially because, I cannot be physically with them)?                                                        (John 15:13)

    Am I choosing, as Christ did, to love my enemies (including anyone who thinks or behaves differently than me in their beliefs about or response to the Coronavirus)?  (Matthew 5:44)

    In isolation, am I remaining focused on the healthy relationships with God, self, and others the Ten Best Ways to Live (10 Commandments) elevates and promotes?  (Exodus 20:1-20)

    When I feel helpless and out of control, am I inviting the Holy Spirit to fill me and enable me, through the mystery of the gospel, to trust God to do for me what I cannot do for myself? (Acts 4:31, Ephesians 6:19, 1 Timothy 3:16, Luke 18:27)


    With more than 100,000 members, United Methodists of Upper New York comprises of more than 675 local churches and New Faith Communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state. Our vision is to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places."