"A Sense of Responsibility"

The title above was a quote from an interview in TIME magazine with the President and First Lady, addressing the need for more 'volunteerism' in America. The interview overall was fairly interesting because of the emphasis on the good that comes from opportunities of service, both for those being served and those doing the serving. It was suggested though that volunteerism is probably down in large part because of the prevalent worry that exists during these unsettled economic times. Many people might be thinking they need to focus on taking care of themselves which apparently makes it more difficult to give your time, money, and energy to others. However, President Obama argued that this is exactly the time that Americans should offer a helping hand to their neighbor and their communities. You can read the full article by clicking here.

This got me thinking about a few things. As Christians we are supposed to be identified by how we love God and love others. In doing so, we are to live differently from the world around us. Almost everyone recognizes that serving others is a good thing. Even non-Christians find value in giving of yourself to others. So, how are we supposed to live different than the world around us when it comes to service? What makes us unique in this area as Christ-followers? We as Christians can be just as caught up in the economic instability as everyone else. It's hard not to. The reality for a lot of people is that times are tough. Plenty of people are losing jobs, money is tight, and religion isn't even a deciding factor. Believers and non-believers are both affected. Yet there is tension there. As people who follow the way of Christ in this world, we are called not to worry...is that possible? Most of the time our worry doesn't look much different from those who don't profess a foundation of faith. Sure, I have a little bit of security...it's "easy" for me to ask these questions. I'm not trying to judge or belittle other people's struggles or difficult circumstances, but I think we have to wrestle with these questions.

As God's people, how are we leading the way when it comes to living our lives uncontrolled by worry and insecurities? As God's people, how should we be out front leading the way in living for others and not for self? President Obama is right...NOW is the time to reach out a hand to help someone in need, not reach in to clutch what "precious" things we have left. NOW is the time to offer who we are and what we have to others around us, not circle the wagons and fortify our own economic standing. Tough words, I know. But, shouldn't we feel our own "sense of responsibility" to live as reflections of the One who continually gave of himself so that others could share in a new way of life? Shouldn't the church be providing everyday evidence that "volunteerism" will always be alive and well in the world through the lives of God's people? Shouldn't our lives as Christians be so defined by service and trust, that we buoy whole communities struggling to stay afloat in the waters of uncertainty, by offering hope and inspiring love?

At the very least, it's something worth thinking about...

--Mike

I Try Not To Say "No"

I love one-liners, especially well-timed ones. For some people they just fall from the sky; for others they don't come quite so easily. And you know the really good ones because they're followed by someone thinking or saying, "Wish I'd said that!"

One of the best one-liners I've ever heard came in a casual conversation earlier today. Not a typical one-liner but priceless nevertheless. Dale, one of my best friends, told me about something he'd been asked to do. Not knowing whether he really wanted to accept the responsibility, he prayed about it and concluded that he couldn't really tell if God was leading him that direction or not. However, he decided to answer the call anyway and agree to a two-year stint. Why? His explanation was simply, "I try not to say 'no'." Priceless!

I know a lot of people who live by a different philosophy, one more like "I try not to say "yes." And why? Saying "yes" opens you up to being available, to giving up time, to living beyond your own walls. And if word gets out that you tend to say "yes," why people might call on you and prevent you from getting to do what you want to do.

O, and then there are the people who say "yes" but don't follow through. They can't say "no" with their lips, but they can't say "yes" and really mean it. So they say "yes" but they really mean "no." How can you know they really mean "no?" Simple--they never follow through.

So the next time someone asks something of me or if I see someone needing something, I hope I'll try not to say "no." I believe that's the way Jesus would do it and I want to be like him more than I want to breathe. Thanks for the lesson Dale.

--Terrell