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Carter's reputation has recovered well. He remains on a first-name basis with world leaders and commands respect and attention wherever he goes. In a stunning reversal, he now makes the list of most admired Presidents, and if someone held a contest for best ex-President, he would win hands down. While others leave the White House to enjoy golf or cash in on their celebrity status, the Carters have devoted themselves to service. The result brings to mind Jesus' most-repeated statement in the Gospels: "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it" (Mark 8:35).

In an interview with Barbara Walters, Carter was surprised by one question. She asked him to reflect on his colorful life—engineer, naval officer, peanut farmer, governor, President—and name what phase he most enjoyed. He thought for a minute, then smiled that famous smile and said, "Now."

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In a 1998 interview with Christianity Today's then-associate editor Richard A. Kauffman, Jimmy Carter discussed everything from Sunday school and personal faith to the Southern Baptist Convention and world politics.

Christianity Today sister publication Men of Integrity has previously published insights from Jimmy Carter on forgiveness and ministry.

See Jimmy Carter's biography at the official White House site. To learn more, also see The Jimmy Carter Library and The Carter Center.

Books by Carter include: Living Faith, An Hour Before Daylight, and Sources of Strength.

Previous Yancey columns for Christianity Today include:

Why Do They Hate Us?How to turn the Baywatch syndrome into the Jesus syndrome. (March 27, 2002)

Honest Church MarketingWe enhance our 'image' by offering the world a realistic picture of faith. (October 24, 2001)

Compassion ConfusionWe should serve the needy even when it has bad political consequences. (August 28, 2001)

Fixing Our Weakest LinkEvangelicals should be more "needful of the minds of others." (July 13, 2001)

Replenishing the Inner PastorChurches should take greater interest in their shepherds' spiritual health. (May 14, 2001)

Beyond Flesh and BloodI used to disdain biblical talk of "invisible spirits." No more. (Mar. 27, 2001)

God at LargeA look around the globe reveals a God as big as we want him to be. (Jan. 31, 2001)

Humility's Many FacesEveryone I've looked up to has shared one trait. (Dec. 4, 2000)

Getting a LifeThe most fully alive persons are those who give their lives away. (Oct. 16, 2000)

Yancey's Where is God When it Hurts, Special Edition and Soul Survivor: How My Faith Survived the Church are available on Christianbook.com.

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May 21 2002, Vol. 46, No. 6