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Verse:“That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” —John 17:21
The horrors of World War II had finally ended, but the worries of the Cold War were still very much alive. There was indeed much political and military tension between the Western Bloc (capitalism) and the Eastern Bloc (communism).
During those very unstable years, John F. Kennedy was elected as the thirty-fifth president of the United States. In his famous inaugural address at Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on January 20, 1961, he challenged his own country and the nations of the Western Bloc to remain united and to support their common cause.
Kennedy first highlighted the value of unity.
He stated, “United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do—for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.” Near the end of his speech, he emphasized the need for altruistic service with his memorable words, “And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.
My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” It does not make much difference whether you agree with the political tone of this remarkable speech.
What does matter is the realization that we all are directly involved in a huge, unceasing spiritual battle between good and evil and that we need to take a clear stand. According to the Bible, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
As members of Christ’s spiritual body (1 Corinthians 12:12–31), we can triumph only by remaining united in Christ (John 17:21) and supporting one another in unselfish service. We must closely follow the example of Christ, who “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).
Instead of asking what the church can do for you, ask what you can do for the church and for those around you who are perishing in their sins.
Unselfish love can and will make all the difference in our communities.