Got Faith? The Limits of an Outstanding Christian Work-ethic
Dean Jason Curry • August 11, 2017

“Therefore we conclude, that a person is justified by faith without the deeds of the law (Romans 3:28). “

               Like many of you, I believe in working hard in order to accomplish my goals. There is a difference, as one of my difficult friends pointed out, in “working hard and working smart.” I sincerely hope that I am doing both simultaneously. However, many of us would readily conclude that “hard work” (e.g., working diligently to accomplish certain results) is necessary for success. Many of us wholeheartedly agree with the common expression: “Success is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.” Also, some of us are witnesses to the devastating consequences that may be associated with giving someone something of value (e.g., a promotion an expensive car) even though they played no part in earning it. Sometimes the recipients of unmerited gifts have little appreciation for them. I am grateful that I learned the value of a great work inside of and outside of the church. I am grateful that pastors and lay members of the church taught me and demonstrate to me the importance of the Jesus’ saying: “I must work the work of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no person can work (John 9:4).”

               The scriptures teach us, however, that there are limits to an outstanding, Christian work-ethic. In Romans 4, Paul talks about leaders (Abraham and David) who were justified through their faith not through their works. A hard-working Christian might naturally assume that one can earn God’s love; however, God’s love, which is referred to as grace cannot be earned by human beings because it is freely given by God (see Ephesians 1:6, 2:8 and Romans 3:24). One might assume that when we read our bible, attend worships services and help the poor that we will be able to establish our own righteousness; however, the Apostle Paul teaches us that people are unable to establish their righteousness (see Romans 10:3, Philippians 3:9 and Romans 3:22). As Christians, our righteousness is established through our relationship with God, not through our deeds. We are justified (i.e., our righteousness is established) through our faith in God, not through our works (see Romans 3:28).

                  As follower of Christ, we must continue to exemplify an outstanding work-ethic by engaging in the work of kingdom-building (see Matthew 6:10). The scriptures remind us that “faith without works it dead (James 2:26).” As we work for God in our homes, churches, schools at our places of employment, we must also seek to maintain and even enhance (e.g., make stronger) our faith in God. In short, we must keep the faith, and thank God for establishing righteousness through it.


The Grumblings Associated with Effective Leadership: Staying the Course

By Dean Jason Curry • February 26, 2020
I was blessed to have had the opportunity to be raised by someone who participated in the Civil Rights Movement. My uncle, Mr. Bob Gore, who is much like a father to me, marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and many others during the 1960’s. I continue to be amazed by the heroic and unprecedented sacrifices made by both the leaders and the participants of the Civil Rights Movement. To my surprise, Mr. uncle informed me that many African-Americans and white Americans did not participate in “The Movement.” Some people were resistant to Dr. King’s leadership because they were concerned about their employment or their physical well-being (e.g., it was possible to become injured or killed while marching). Like the Hebrews in Moses’ day, people “grumbled” against Dr. King (see Exodus 16:2). Nevertheless, Dr. King, additional leaders of the Movement and many followers stayed the course. The criticisms of white clergy (see Dr. King’s “Letter from the Birmingham Jail”) , the threats and acts of violence, the loss of income and the ostracization by family members or friends did not dissuade them from their mission. The leaders often heard the “grumblings” of the people; however, they held on to their purpose. My uncle’s commitment to assisting African-Americans in the process of attaining our Civil Rights would prove to be instrumental in my character development and sense of political consciousness. I am eternally grateful for his involvement in my life. Leadership is a challenging phenomenon. Undoubtedly, leaders are essential for the cohesion of society. People need leaders, and in the absence of ethical and visionary leadership, the historical record throughout the world has proven that people will following myopic, ineffective, unethical and seemingly incompetent leaders. Moses and his brother Aaron were competent, ethical, divinely-inspired and visionary leaders; however, the people often “grumbled” against them. At one point, the Hebrews criticized Moses, and wished that he had not freed from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 13:3). Moses listened, but depersonalized their grumblings. Essentially, he said: “You are not grumbling against me, but against the Lord (Exodus 16:8).” Moses loved the people and cared for the people in spite of their grumblings. Moses prayed to the Lord during his challenging, leadership experiences, and the Lord provided the people with manna, which is bread from heaven (Exodus 16:15).” If God has appointed you as a leader at you job, in your home, at your church or in your civic or social organization, I want to encourage you to continue to be an ethical, visionary, competent and divinely inspired leader. Stay the course, even when you hear the grumblings of the people, and watch the Lord provide resources (also known as manna) for you.

When Silence Means Agreement: Supporting four Congresswomen of Color

By Dean Jason Curry • July 23, 2019
As an African-American, I celebrate the recent election of four Congresswomen of color: Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Representative Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts. Even though there were Congresswomen of color leading the nation on Capitol Hill prior to their arrival, their election to the most powerful and prestigious legislative body in the world should be celebrated given the racist and sexist history and extant racist and sexist climate of this country. As a Christian minster, I do not embrace each and every political position championed by these courageous, four women; however, I celebrate their achievements, support their vision for a more inclusive society and support their Constitutional right to dissent and challenge the status quo. Lost in this mainstream discussion about their views which are in opposition to the President, conservative America and racist America is the fact that they are Black people (i.e., people of African descent) whose brilliance, tenacity, vision and diligence earned them a place in history. Their very presence should be cause of celebration for America. I know many people who are affiliated with the Black Church celebrate their historic achievements and/or their current political position(s). I understand that some white, evangelicals cannot or will not celebrate black excellence. However, the caustic, racist, xenophobic political climate that they refuse to denounce poses a threat to both Black life and the Christian message. Much of the rhetoric which appears in national headlines is anti-Christian. For example, the popular chant “Send Her Back” is in direct contradiction to the Christian mandate to love one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:39) and to welcome the stranger (Matthew 25:35). The silence of the church as it concerns the racist, sexist, xenophobic, divisive and dangerous national narrative, means that church is in agreement with it. This silence cripples community, cheapens Christianity, causes faith to falter, truncates the truth, promotes a nihilistic threat to Black life as it dissuades a generation of people from wanting to embrace Christ. If it is not careful, the evangelical church that supports this caustic narrative will be on the wrong side of both human and salvation history. Jesus encouraged humanity to love God and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves (see Matthew 22:34-40). As members of the church universal, we have a Christian mandate to support a narrative which affirms the humanity and dignity of people wherever and however they may be found. As Christian leaders and laity, we must denounce any narrative which seeks to devaluate and dehumanize people. Indeed, we are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). However, if the salt has lost its saltiness, what is it good for (Matthew 5:13)?