The last few days of 2024 were filled with media stories, tributes, and programs covering the life and legacy of James Earl Carter, Jr. “Jimmy” Carter served one term as the 39th President of the United States, and was a centenarian when he died on December 29th. I came across one such program on PBS, part of which reviewed his early life in the small, rural town he always called home, Plains, GA.

Born in October of 1924, Jimmy grew up on his family’s farm. The program told how young Jimmy worked side by side with the farmhands, which were almost exclusively brown-skinned people. They were described as having little if any formal education, yet Jimmy stated they taught him many important lessons that as he grew would shape his outlook on what was right, just, and fair.

One such person was Rachel Clark, a woman Carter would later say he considered a third parent. Often after the work of the day was finished, she might mention going fishing, and Jimmy would usually tag along. During their walks to and from the fishin’ hole, they would talk about many things…life, faith, and nature – both human and the great outdoors. Jimmy said Rachel often framed her thoughts and observations on following “God’s Holy Way”.

What does it mean to truly seek, understand, and follow God’s Holy Way? If you have ever attended the Ordination service at a United Methodist Annual Conference, you have likely heard the presiding Bishop ask the would-be clergy candidates John Wesley’s Historic Questions. There are nearly twenty, but the first five set a tone for how one would attempt to live into the collective purpose of all of them.

  1. Have you faith in Christ?
  2. Are you going on to perfection?
  3. Do you expect to be made perfect in love in this life?
  4. Are you earnestly striving after it?
  5. Are you resolved to devote yourself wholly to God and his work?

I’m sure the conversations between an older farmhand and a young, future President of the United States didn’t sound like these questions, but there is an echo of “God’s Holy Way” in how they call, claim, and challenge us if we dare to boldly, yet humbly lean and live into them each day.

We are at the beginning of a new journey. With lessons learned from past successes and struggles, we face forward as pioneers heading out to explore an undiscovered country, with Jesus Christ going before us as guardian and guide.

As the sun rises on the Year of our Lord 2025, let us commit ourselves to “God’s Holy Way”, following the Christ described in Hebrews as the “pioneer and perfector of our faith”. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NRSV)

Your brother on the journey,

Rev. Dr. David O. Weatherly