A Life of Faith in Action
The nearly week-long state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter will conclude this Thursday with a service at the Washington National Cathedral followed by a private interment at the Carter residence in Georgia. While Carter lost his bid for reelection in 1980, his post-presidency is a remarkable example of how faith can inspire a life of service, humility, and integrity.
Born in 1924 in Plains, Georgia, Carter grew up in a family deeply rooted in Christian values. From his early years, he attended church regularly and embraced a personal faith that emphasized love, service, and justice. These principles guided him throughout his life -- from his work as a peanut farmer to his tenure as the 39th President of the United States.
Carter’s presidency (1977–1981) was shaped by his belief that faith must influence leadership. One of his most notable achievements was the Camp David Accords, an agreement between Israel and Egypt following 12 days of negotiations. While the peace treaty did not prove to be enduring, the Camp David Accords opened the possibility of peace in the Middle East and modeled the role the United States could play. Carter, who frequently prayed during intense negotiations, credited his faith for sustaining him through the process. Carter often openly challenged oppressive regimes, such as apartheid in South Africa, and his focus on justice and compassion set a standard for how faith can guide ethical decision-making in public service.
After leaving the White House, Carter became a global advocate for peace and humanitarian work, demonstrating that a life of faith does not end with political office. In 1982, he co-founded the Carter Center, which has been instrumental in fighting disease, providing clean water in impoverished regions, and monitoring elections in more than 100 countries. Embodying Christ’s call to serve “the least of these," Carter frequently visited remote villages around the globe to promote public health initiatives.
Carter’s commitment to community service is also evident in his decades-long involvement with Habitat for Humanity. Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, spent countless hours building homes for low-income families. Even into his 90s, he was on construction sites -- hammer in hand -- working side by side with volunteers.
For decades, Carter taught Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown, sharing lessons from Scripture and personal reflections on living a Christ-centered life. His Sunday school classes drew people from all over the world as Carter emphasized themes of forgiveness, justice, and service, encouraging others to live out their faith in tangible ways.
Carter’s environmental advocacy also reflects his faith-driven commitment to stewardship. As President, he installed solar panels on the White House and promoted energy conservation. He also supported sustainable farming and renewable energy initiatives in his hometown -- all demonstrations of his belief that Christians are called to care for God’s creation and ensure its preservation for future generations.
With his unwavering commitment to peace, service, and stewardship, Jimmy Carter lived out the Gospel in both extraordinary and everyday ways. Carter’s legacy reminds us that a life rooted in Christ can transform not only individuals but also the world, and his example challenges us to put our faith into action as well -- whether by building homes, promoting justice, or simply loving our neighbors as ourselves. What impact will you have on those around you this week?