Last week we discussed a chapter from the book Beyond Opinion, which contains a number of essays pertaining to Christian apologetics. This particular chapter, written by Ravi Zacharias, dealt with the reality of evil and suffering and how we as Christians can enter into conversation with non-believers about God’s role in a world where evil and suffering exist. Instead of discussing the particular topics laid out in the chapter, Chad shared with us some of the challenges the chapter had presented for him.
Do we as individuals only struggle with evil and suffering when it strikes us personally? Do we as individuals care more about “acts of evil and suffering”– gossip, our own worries/cares, when someone wrongs us– than the evil and suffering that goes on worldwide every day? Do we spend more time praying for our needs and concerns than the needs and concerns of the world?
Those three questions were convicting. Speaking only for myself, I can honestly answer ‘yes’ to all three… something I am not proud to admit. I don’t want to place blame or make generalizations based on my own personal experience, but looking back over my life, I find it interesting that my information about the evil and suffering in the world beyond my back door has come almost entirely from “secular” sources: the media, secular organizations in my community and on my college campus, etc. Does that strike anyone else as backwards? Shouldn’t the Church, which teaches a faith that values “love of neighbor” above everything but love of God, be the first to identify injustice in the world? and the loudest voice against it? Yet, in my experience at least, the Church remains silent until it is directly affected. For instance, while my home church includes information about the persecuted church in its bulletin every Sunday, there is never any mention of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa or the need for clean water and better sanitation in various countries around the world. Why not? Why are we not hearing about and doing all we can to help instances of injustice?
I know that change has to begin with me, so I’m taking steps to change my attitude and my prayer life and my focus. How can I say I’m following Christ if I’m ignoring the people and situations He is most concerned about? I have been part of the ONE campaign (www.one.org) since last year, but I’m planning to step up my involvement when I get back to the States in May. Part of that will be trying to get my church involved as well.
What will you do? How is God calling you to be more aware of and involved in the lives of your neighbors around the world? Be obedient to His calling!
In Christ,
Katie
