Living in a chaotic, compromised, and confusing culture can provoke us to a greater resolve in our faith walk, or it can begin to erode that path with distractions, deceit, and deception. It is therefore imperative that we remain vigilant, lest we drift from the truth of Christ’s gospel into the passive acceptance of “another gospel,” which is in essence “anti-gospel.”
There are four integrated concepts that will give the Christ follower strength and wisdom in their kingdom journey. The first we considered was the “church.” Every believer must become a vital part of an intentional community that is in pursuit of knowing and obeying God’s Word. Choose a church that enhances your exposure to the three other concepts: (#2) those marginalized to our periphery and the global church, which includes (#3) mission activity and
(#4) the persecuted believers around the world. In this blog we’ll direct our focus to the marginalized: those pushed outside the boundaries of society; those treated as insignificant.
The disenfranchised are all around us. They include the lonely, the poor, the homeless, refugees and immigrants, those being trafficked, the abused, the unborn who are being aborted, single parents, victims of natural disasters, victims of tragic life decisions, the disabled, the elderly, those who are challenged physically and mentally…. Because this list is not exhaustive but can be exhausting, an intentional blind spot often emerges. Isn’t it easier to ignore all of this? After all, we will never solve all of these problems. They will drain our time, our energy, and our financial resources. There’s never any closure, so why even engage? Who needs the heartache… or the headache?!
How do we begin to recognize real needs and then move toward them with wisdom and Spirit-purpose? Start with the mindset that you will not just talk about it…but that you will actually do what is right and good. Then, be alert to providential connections and opportunities that come from the Spirit and connect you to a person or a cause. Active awareness deepens and sharpens recognition of how and when to act and who to help. Beware of the blinding appeal and pride of becoming a social activist, as your objective is to be a Spirit servant. Appropriate action is appropriate activism. Vengeance has no place in furthering a cause. And when you do accomplish something, avoid publishing and making an agenda of it in order to receive accolades or to shame others toward your cause.
Remember that any help that you give to others – or to a cause – is the result of the gospel reality in your life – not the essence of it. Do not expect to see much closure to your efforts. Mother Teresa said, “We cannot all do great things, but we can all do small things with great love.” You can never do everything, but you can do something. For the believer, doing nothing is never an option.
“Speak up for those who have no voice, for those who seem hopelessly appointed for destruction. Intercede intentionally on their behalf.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)