Will We Join?

This is a guest post from Troy Felten.

I heard the other day the concept of Social Loafing — The idea that if large group is responsible for something, they are less likely to get something done than if a single person is responsible for that same thing.  We think in our minds ‘Well, someone else is doing that,’ or ‘What can I really do anyway?’

I look at our city.  I see a bunch of good-hearted people.   I see a lot of big churches, with great discipleship programs and great services.  Wonderful things.  What breaks my heart is that we can get so caught up in playing church, we tend to look at it as “what does it do for me this week?” instead of the real purpose – “how can I love the people around me like Christ would?”

I examine my life and ask, “What difference am I making? “  Am I bringing life to someone’s path?  Are there not needs of those around me in my community, right around the corner?  Are there not those who need food, who need clothing, who need a place to sleep?  Are there not those who are lonely, who need a friend, who need someone to simply listen to their story?

There are people everywhere like this, be they rich or poor.  The question is, how willing are we to initiate this type of mission in our personal lives?  The risk is too great.  We risk losing our convenience.  It is counter-cultural.  We risk change.

Could it be that we have to fight and to work to be a helper and a servant in our community?  Could it be that we have to purposely plan to leave our comfort zones?

In a culture of abundance and emphasis on personal gratification, I think it does.   The ‘leaving all we know’ and following Christ can have a very practical meaning for all of us – every day.  He is right here in our streets.  He is the one feeding the hungry, giving hope to the hopeless, loving the children, serving those in need.

He is doing this, will we join Him?

Photo: Charlie Cowins