Biden Urges Congress to Follow Jesus' Words: 'Serve Rather Than Be Served'
By: Michael Foust
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Biden Urges Congress to Follow Jesus' Words: 'Serve Rather Than Be Served'
Acknowledging the deep divisions within Congress, President Biden spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday and urged Democrats and Republicans to get to know one another personally, saying faith can bring people of different beliefs together to unify for the common good.
"Rather than driving us apart, faith can move us together," Biden, who is Catholic, told members of both parties gathered for the annual event in Washington, D.C. Different faiths, he said, have the "same fundamental basic beliefs" to treat one another with kindness.
Biden said he wants Democrats and Republicans to have "faith to see each other as we should – not as enemies but as neighbors, not as adversaries but as fellow Americans."
"I pray that we follow what Jesus taught us – to serve rather than be served," Biden said. "I don't always do it. [But] I try."
As a member of the Senate, Biden said, he would have lunch with fellow members of Congress and learn about others' personal struggles. Biden said he still considers Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell – a Republican – a friend.
"It's hard to really dislike someone when you know that they're going through the same thing you have gone through," Biden said. "... As leaders of this nation who work and pray together, there's an oath to God and country to uphold, and a charge to keep to stand in the breach, and to protect our democracy, to work together to right wrongs. … If a house divided cannot stand, surely a house united can do anything."
Unity, he said, "doesn't mean we have to agree on everything."
"But unity is where enough of us – enough of us – believe in a core of basic things, the common good, the general welfare," he said. "... The rest of the world is looking to us."
Quoting former President Dwight Eisenhower, Biden said, "There's a need we all have in these days and times for some help which comes from outside ourselves."
"I am humbled by the prayers of so many of you – and it means everything to us," Biden said.
Biden closed by telling a personal story about his childhood.
"Every time I'd walk out of my Grandpa Finnegan's house up in Scranton ... He yelled 'Joey, keep the faith.' My grandma would yell, 'No Joey, spread it.'
"Let's go spread the faith," Biden said.
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Pool
Video courtesy: ©PBS NewsHour
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Now there’s something Biden said we can all agree on! Me agreeing with him on something. A rare bipartisan moment.
I definitely agree. I just wish people would stop using Jesus for political agendas. I don't think he's much impressed with either side.
Probably not. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. He’s not so much interested in earthly kingdoms except as to how He uses them to lead to His ultimate plan for this world to be fulfilled. While God is not interested in the internal politics of individual nations here, He will bless nations that generally follow him and use His principles in their laws and wisely use the blessings He bestows upon it. We have gone back and forth as a nation regarding following ideals he set for human nations and not doing so.
(The rest of my cut off response continued)
Mostly blessed though our punishment for slavery was steep and severe. Since then the USA has likely never been lower than from late May 2020 to present. Still the voices for genuine revival are still out there though from now to the end they will not likely be heeded by most.
Interesting, Jefferson and Drakkonis, we find ourselves 'face-to-face' in a small space to discuss this. Nevermind how long it last, let's see if we can effectively use the time spent to our advantage!
Jesus loves and values people and peace (with all men as much as it lies within us to provide it). It was why Jesus corrected the Sanhedrin that what they thought they understood about God's strict dealings with mankind was God's intent after all. God knows and fully accepts that we are a created 'bundle' of attitudes and experiences.
Moreover, Jesus promulgated a social gospel for the poor, wretched, oppressed, and imprisoned people of the world to seek relief through humanity and God above.
Times of refreshing are staring up (all) down. We have this opportunity to do well and make our Lord very proud of us as men, humanity, and saints of the Most High God. Can we climb the mountain? Do we have the courage and the strength? Shall we see this undertaking through to its conclusion?
As an earthly nation, no. It has achieved all the good things God intended of it from its founding to now. I believe it will be all down hill at some point, maybe now, maybe in the future only God knows that. As to all humanity, it’s even worse. As to people as individuals and as saints of the most high God, absolutely yes we can be among the select who do all of that you said. We can do it only through faith though, not a bit on our own that we can earn and say we did it.
My brother, I would suggest that we not deem to speak for God's plan for the future or its conclusion. Peter 'stumbled' in thinking and writing, "the end of all things is near" - and yet 2000 and counting year much has occurred which would embarrass, startle, and impress that man! \
The plans of God are the purview and scope of God. And this world has seen many 'troubled times,' for which Jesus warned it would be so, "but still the end is not near" - somethings must occur in the heavenlies themselves as a sign of this world's light 'dropping.' Again, this is the realm of God (alone) to which we can not cross without permission.
On a positive note, we can share love between ourselves and for the stranger in our midst. We never know when an 'angel' has been sent among us to see what we do, conduct, and direct. Let's do well and good.
This is completely wrong. Jesus brought the good news of the kingdom of God, which is not a part of the world. It is not an effort to fix the world. He didn't bring a social gospel.
Like He told Pilate, his kingdom is not of this world. While Jesus will hold us all accountable for how we deal with “ the least of these” as individuals, He had no social gospel for government to carry out. And of course salvation is an individual matter not collective as social gospel or liberation theology advocates here or in catholic Latin America and Obama believe.
Why would Jesus the maker of the world not be interested in creation and its environment? Was John the Baptist the forerunner of Jesus?
Beginning with John the Baptist, the last of the old testament prophets, we see continuing interests in the welfare of creation. As forerunner, John the Baptist, handed his ministry over to Jesus. It is so.
Yes or No?
@2.1.9.
No. He wasn't interested in the welfare of the world. All that John said was not directed outward to the world. It was directed inward, to the hearts of the hearers. He was telling them what to do about themselves, not others. Nor did he hand his ministry to Jesus, since it wasn't his to begin with. He was just a messenger.
Jesus' message was not one of social justice. His message was not, 'go out and change what other people are doing.' It was, 'repent! Change what you yourself are doing and turn toward God. Go out and teach others to do the same."
Read the Gospels, CB. Everyone expected Jesus to do things the same old way of the world, just as you are always going on about. He was crucified because he didn't fulfil their expectations of what social justice consisted of. Christ's way is not the human way. Why would Jesus fight for a world that is not of his Kingdom? Why would you?
Who would Jesus die for a world that is not his kingdom? Did Jesus (The Word) create this world and come into his own creation?
Jesus stated," the Law and the Prophets were until John." Luke 16:16. John the Baptist baptized Jesus and when John the Baptist was jailed Jesus' ministry took on his disciples:
Forerunner. Why dither with the meaning of this word? It is plain enough. Of course, we can see the 'complexity' of positions taking place between Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist (who should have been baptized by Jesus the Christ) it is not the scope of this section nevertheless.
Drakkonis, Jesus so much followed the work of (his) forerunner that Herod even imagined Jesus was John come back from the dead. Jesus continued John's 'institution' of baptism, and as detailed in the scripture above John's own disciples turned to follow Jesus after John's death.
Not going to do this.
The social gospel is not about changing what others are doing. Other than that characterization I can agree largely with your comment. Social gospel is accepting and showing human. . . love. Moral love. Honest love. People love.
Remember, it was the religious, doctrinal, and state 'organizations' which John the Baptist witnessed against (He called the Pharisees, "vipers.") and plainly Herod beheaded John the Baptist for being cross with the state! Plus, we know what became of Jesus in the crucifixion (by the state of Rome).
Not going to do what? Take the time and space provided in the marketplace of ideas to share ideas and discussion? Do not walk away high-minded, brother! Humbly, I ask you pray for wisdom to carry on from above in this endeavor.
Jesus expressed himself socially through a ministry not just in the (religious center) of the temple, he extended himself to the OPPRESSED areas of society . Much to the chagrin of the "church" leadership of the period. Jesus visited and kept vital to his ministry the powerless oppressed. Affirmation of social intent and wellness not just for the "righteous perceived," but in manifestation of a greater, better, love for all.
Jesus reached out to sinners open to change. His ministry was to make life better for them by first saving their souls and then also making their living conditions better. His expectations were always of the individual to do things to alleviate the human suffering of people around us in this world. Except in the concept of taxes and rendering to Caesar and to God that which was theirs separately, He was calling on individuals to act to do things in the social sense, not government. He never once preached to Rome to enact social programs. He criticized severely and rightly the “church” of his time for its total indifference to these matters.
(The rest of my cut off comment continued)
In the judgment individuals, not government will be called to account for what was done to help “ the least of these”. That is why churches that are true to His mission will have missions and ministries to feed the poor and the homeless, to provide shelter, clothing, etc., to be there to provide disaster relief, to have education, medical services, prison ministries, orphanages and other care for children, provide water Wells and micro loans to people in less advantaged areas and so much more. I know several Protestant denominations are very good at this and they are all considered evangelical in outlook.
Are you serious? You are, I'll bet. Now, at least, I know WHY you and Drakkonis deny social justice (to all). It's amazing that somehow you all separate yourselves from the love (for all) though, Jesus told you to love your neighbor and Jesus helped GENTILES who were not apart of any church. He declared our neighbor to be anybody who is in NEED, and the love of God to be UNIVERSAL. And yet, you all scrutinize all this down to church ministries. Which btw do not do enough for their own members or "mega-memberships"- btw, this nation is already larger than ancient Rome? And farther removed from the early church in population. (Where they had all things in common.)
The church can not compensate for social biases and local hatred ingrained into people. The scale of the damages is too high. National government do this.
Again, I can't believe how narrowly focused (almost selfish and slavishly) you all make Jesus and his ministry to the world. That you would tell me that love only extends to church membership and proliferation of the Christian 'message of the Gospel' is astounding.
Lastly, if the Church is the storehouse of all that is productive and meant for Christians and this faith? Outsiders need not apply - why do you all seek to change government systems to comply with narrowly constricted Christian values?
(NOTE: I am so taken aback at this 'revelation' of your and Drakkonis' perceptions on this account, that I kinda wrote the above mildly dazed. I will need a minute to 'ingest' it fully.)
I don’t know where you got the idea in what I wrote that individual members would not participate in and contribute to the missions and ministries of their or other churches locally or around the world or where you got the idea that I suggested such should only go to members and not to everyone in need without regard for their beliefs. Seriously! Where did you get that? I give in excess of 10% of my income to support those in need in my community, this country, and in countries all around the world as well as the typical church needs.
Personal giving is admirable. I won't ask you to 'declare' or define what you classify as 'worthy' recipients of your giving. However, such giving does not meet the scale of giving called for in a country of 350 million men, women, and children. Considering the nation's largesse and its disproportional and "competitive" spread of funds. The national need is simply too big for any church, organization, or group of churches to oblige. And I have not even included the scale rise brought on by so-called nature acts or 'Acts of God.'
There are deliberate inequality and inequities in our society. It was the same in biblical Israel during the time of Jesus Christ, when Rome ruled and subjugated (theocratic-led government of) Israel.
America, its diversity, its world people, one land, is neither a theocracy or a controlled nation under another nation's authority. Therefore, it is clear to me anyway, when Jesus spoke to Israel about giving and helping its 'neighbor' he did so from an understanding that the nation was not the authority in control of its systems or its own national policies.
The U.S.A. has within its inherent 'power' the ability to affect its citizens from 'top to bottom.' This is the difference. This is how we should understand Christian love in the U.S.A.
I’m sorry but we do not express our Christian love in the USA by mandating its tax rates or its social policies. Paying taxes at any amount is no substitute for individual giving of time, effort, money, blood donations, or any other individual act. Giving and charity is an individual matter. Government has a duty at the local and state level to provide a basic safety net under which no one can get unlucky enough or ill enough to fall under. The bottom line is that there is no amount that you can delegate to the government in taxes you pay and force others to pay so that it in your place can substitute for you your requirement to personally be involved in charitable acts and giving.
(My cut off comment continued)
The doing unto the least of these at the judgement is an individual not a collective one. Before then God may judge nations based on how they use his blessings to do these things by withholding future blessings or adding to them. Again not an individual thing.
Says who: You? You love has limits? It is non-EXPANSIVE? You can CAP love at the state-line; can you cap it at who is "righteous" enough to receive it? As for the individual: continue to give in excess to small causes. Why the heaven not? Others do.
Moreover, why should some people escape their obligation to the whole (by giving nothing of themselves) in a system which benefits them beyond measure. Jesus told parables about those who wore purple (signs of wealth) in his day who suffered immeasurable doom from the presence of God because of their deficiency in giving time and goodwill (which is treasure in Heavenly terms).
What means this: (My cut off comment continued)?
To be clear and show good faith in sharing: I agree with you. Individual sharing is a good thing. So is collective sharing, isn't it? Love is about service, equality, and in our country: equity. For we have much deliberate deficiency to correct! In loving all others who are not deficient in the criminal sense, we draw people TOGETHER instead of making false divides.
I don’t believe in equity. I don’t believe in liberation theology. I do not believe in a Social gospel. There is no such thing as collective eternal salvation. We do not show love by paying extra taxes. We do that by acting as individuals to help others. There is a need for government to provide a safety net and for us to fund it. There’s no love or salvation in that.
You do not believe in equity? What else is there to discuss? Have a nice day, Jefferson.
I believe in equality not equity. In equal opportunity not guaranteed equal results.
That is a talking point; a slogan. No one is guaranteeing anything through EQUITY. Which LEVELS an unequal playing field. Do you have any real understanding on just how much inequality has been 'leveled' against Blacks and other people of color in this country? Do you? I am starting to wonder about this.
It's a fair question (and concern). Black people have been utterly 'decimated' then, now, and in the future (if some politicians are not stopped in their doings immediately) in this country! Are racial issues and problems as bad as before, no. We are still far and away from a colorblind society, nevertheless!
If you honestly don't know about the history of systemic racism in the institutions of this country: ASK SOMEBODY! If you are aware of the injustices, and levels and degrees of inequality and still persist in denial of equity, its very selfish of you. And that is vexing to the Spirit of God!
Keep the faith. Yes.
We can agree on that at least
We shall have much more that this to agree on, brother! Much is required of us in this discussion. As we should enter into prayers for unity of the faith and greater shared understanding.
True. And in keeping with my seed, I honestly hope that President Biden meant what he said there about reaching out to the other party, the Republicans in congress and about trying for unity as a nation.
When one extends a hand out, it must be grasped from the other side. And at best, neither side is "undefeated." But remember that we are a union and not strident opponents on any battlefield. When democrats are unhappy; can republicans be any better off? Grasp the hand!
I am sorry, this is the same Joe Biden that had the temerity to say this about Republicans in Congress?
Real damn Christian of him. Especially when his good friend McConnell convinced several Republicans in the Senate to stick their necks out for Joe's infrastructure bill. It wouldn't have gotten out of the Senate w/o those Republicans; but Joe readily forgot that.
Tell us Joe; is part of serving abandoning US citizens, green card holders, and special VISA holders in Afghanistan? What would Jesus feel about that? Is it demonizing those that don't believe the same as you with asinine vaccine mandates? How about trying to turn parents that demand school accountability into terrorists? Is it denying Republican states access to life saving drugs to combat Covid? How about our new two tier justice system; where if you are of the wrong political ideology you face certain prosecution- and sentencing to the fullest extent of the law. Meanwhile, the vast majority of far leftist morons are being released w/o charges for committing far worse crimes. What would Jesus say about Democrats endlessly trying to investigate and prosecute Trump. Trump may be a sinner; but Democrats sure as hell are not saints.
Glad to see Joe could politicize even this event. What he really wants is for Republicans to back his policies. Maybe if he gives Republicans the same special treatment he gives the Chinese and illegal immigrants Republicans would be more likely to listen? It will never happen- Republicans will never give Joe's family 31 million dollars like the Chinese; and they definitely will not give him a population advantage like all of the illegals being shipped out to sanctuary cities in swing states in voting redistricting.
Keep it classy Biden; and keep your religion to yourself.
I was hoping that with his agenda grounded and with no momentum at all that he’d try to salvage his Presidency by reaching out to us to find common ground and achieve things that could be done that both sides could find some things to like this year but that might be too much to ask for.