I’M GOING to make a confession now.
The year 2020 has not been that bad for me. I must confess.
On the contrary, I’ve experienced many blessings. I continue to have work. Living under the strict Argentine quarantine (now in its 138th day) has actually brought my family closer together. We’ve all learned to appreciate things more, and the dialog at home has improved. I’ve even been able to move forward on some personal projects of mine, like this website. I am thankful and blessed.
I know many reading this might feel the same. You are doing just fine in 2020.
But many are not.
We’ve all heard or recited the familiar refrain: “Actually, it hasn’t been all that bad for me. I can’t complain, but I know there are lots of people who are suffering out there.”
And then it stops.
We stop. We say it, we know it, but we don’t act.
What in the world?
The world has gone crazy. I know the media deals in fear and exaggeration, but today’s reality has taken a strange turn. Too many big and bizarre issues are swirling around at once.
A massive explosion in Beirut, millions without power due to Tropical Strom Isaiah, continued increase of reported Covid-19 cases, continued street protests worldwide, continued millions without work, more people going hungry, humanitarian crisis in Yemen, escalating tension between the USA and China, suicide bombings in Mogadishu, and a Burger King employee getting shot & killed because a customer’s order took too long.
That’s just a quick glance at things. None of these are hyped stories.
Some may say, “You’re just focusing on the negative.” Maybe, but it’s pretty hard not to. Meanwhile, at home, things are pretty good. Or are they? Each one of my sons is dealing with issues—some more serious than others—directly related to the current crisis. Yes, it’s not the end of the world, but it still stinks.
Meanwhile, on my other website, I get prayer requests everyday from people really struggling with tremendous health problems, economic strain, and family issues that hurt just to read about. Lives and families are being torn apart. Other tragic stories here in Buenos Aires have hit close to home. Perhaps this is nothing new back in the USA as the opioid epidemic continues to rage nationwide.
Whose fault is all this? Yes, we can blame the rich, corrupt, and powerful. I trust one day they will stand before God and have a lot explaining to do.
But what about you? Me? The rest of us?
Get out of your funk
Are you letting the apathy win? Are you thinking, “Oh well. I can’t change the world. Everything is pretty much a mess, as always. At least my tribe is doing okay for now.”
They say charity should start at home—but should it end there too?
For the Christian, life is peace. And it’s war.
It’s peace because of what Jesus did for us and does in us. It’s war because we know the stakes are high, and that a battle against evil exists. We know we are the Body of Christ. And the Body must fight for and serve its neighbor.
How you fight depends on your conversation with our Creator. But he certainly calls you to fight. So fight.
Don’t let the apathy win
Don’t let this big nasty world make you think you can’t make a difference.
We plant the mustard seed, we offer the fishes and loaves, and God gives abundant increase.
He transformed your life. Remember this. Remember the pit you were in. Remember how he brought you out and lifted you up.
Never ever underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit living in you.
He is the same Holy Spirit that created the universe.
He is the same Holy Spirit that resurrected Jesus Christ.
Think deep about this. And be humble enough to let the Holy Spirit work in you.
IF YOU are facing a personal demon, let the Lord fight for you. Give up the fight to him, once and for all. It’s time. Other victories await you, that’s a promise. Just let it go into his hands. Let him lay the Philistine low.
It will take you about 5 seconds to think of someone, somewhere that needs help. Get up, put your life aside for moment, and plan to help. Then execute the plan promptly–especially if you are doing well now.
My friend Emiliano lives in a single room home with his family of four in a very rough neighborhood. He struggles big time. But the Spirit of God sends Emi to help people. Even sharing food when things are scarce. If he can help, anyone can.
Don’t let the apathy win.
Open your eyes wide and do not be afraid of the terror around us. Instead, look at this as a historic opportunity to make a difference. Then you will look back one day and say, “I did all that I could. I trusted God and let him work through me. Back in those dark days, I learned to fear less… and love more.”
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Tim 4:7)
Are you doing this? Are you letting God build this into your story, your history?
If not, begin today. Start. Get down on your knees and ask God. If needed, ask for forgiveness. Then ask him to fill you with his mighty Spirit. Ask him to give you courage and focus.
Then go forth. Yes, take good care of things at home. But don’t stop there. The world is hurting and bleeding now. It needs you, me, all of us to help. The world cries out for the Body to rise up and respond.
Do not be afraid to hurt a bit more for someone in need.
Do not be afraid to feel. Do not be afraid to give.
Love casts out all fear.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Romans 12:1
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