He was a president who in the nation’s eyes (and perhaps the world’s) would best be remembered for the Iran hostage crisis and its botched rescue attempt. But he was so much more than that.
President James (Jimmy) Earl Carter’s state funeral was held on Thursday, January 9, 2025, a national day of mourning for our 39th and longest living president.
I watched all of it . . . and here is what I learned.
Though a state funeral, this was not a funeral for a man of power but a man of prayer. Not a man of fame but a man of faith.
As one of his grandson’s commented (and I might not have it exactly right but the thoughts were conveyed), he held public office for only 12 of his 100 years, but he was a husband, father, and grandfather for 78 years and a man who lived his Christian convictions every day.
As the eulogies unfolded, yes, the world was reminded of the successes of his administration (e.g. the Camp David Accords), but that was not the focus of this funeral. What was on display that day was Jimmy Carter’s faith. His lifelong commitment to serving his Lord from the moment he woke up until he laid his head on the pillow that night.
It doesn’t matter if we are/were politically aligned with Jimmy Carter or not; we can all take away the lessons of his life. First and foremost, he never let the hostage debacle define him. He lived out the verse --
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24
Second, his long life is testament to following God’s laws:
Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
it is attained in the way of righteousness. Proverbs 16:31
Proverbs 3:1-2: My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.
Third, humility always trumps pride: Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:12
On Thursday—January 9, 2025—in front of an audience of millions around the world as well as the powerful few in the first few rows, a man’s faith and lifetime commitment to his Lord and Savior was remembered.
James Earl Carter, like Paul, could say with confidence: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
President James (Jimmy) Earl Carter’s state funeral was held on Thursday, January 9, 2025, a national day of mourning for our 39th and longest living president.
I watched all of it . . . and here is what I learned.
Though a state funeral, this was not a funeral for a man of power but a man of prayer. Not a man of fame but a man of faith.
As one of his grandson’s commented (and I might not have it exactly right but the thoughts were conveyed), he held public office for only 12 of his 100 years, but he was a husband, father, and grandfather for 78 years and a man who lived his Christian convictions every day.
As the eulogies unfolded, yes, the world was reminded of the successes of his administration (e.g. the Camp David Accords), but that was not the focus of this funeral. What was on display that day was Jimmy Carter’s faith. His lifelong commitment to serving his Lord from the moment he woke up until he laid his head on the pillow that night.
It doesn’t matter if we are/were politically aligned with Jimmy Carter or not; we can all take away the lessons of his life. First and foremost, he never let the hostage debacle define him. He lived out the verse --
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24
Second, his long life is testament to following God’s laws:
Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
it is attained in the way of righteousness. Proverbs 16:31
Proverbs 3:1-2: My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.
Third, humility always trumps pride: Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:12
On Thursday—January 9, 2025—in front of an audience of millions around the world as well as the powerful few in the first few rows, a man’s faith and lifetime commitment to his Lord and Savior was remembered.
James Earl Carter, like Paul, could say with confidence: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
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