The Things We Don't See

Christian Perspectives Article for the New Castle Courier-Times - June 12, 2010

I just got my new issue of Discover Magazine and the theme for the month is the Invisible Planet - The Science We Don't See. It got me thinking; What are the things we don't see in our world?

Have we witnessed the selfless acts of our community's first responders?

Do we think about the positive effects of the various food pantries, the Westminster Community Center, the Christian Love Help Center, Cradles, the Henry County Pregnancy Care Center, and other similar groups?

On the flip side, do we see the damage that drug abuse does to our community or is it invisible to us?

Do we appreciate the destruction that broken families leave in the emotional lives of our children?

Are we aware of the loneliness experienced by our neighbors?

Do we perceive the quality of educators we are losing to cutbacks and retirements?

Do we notice the vacuum created by lost economic opportunities?

Howard Hendricks, a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, said something at a conference I attended a few years ago that has haunted me ever since. He said, "It's not enough to see a problem. It's not even enough to be able to articulate the problem. What are you going to do to solve the problem?"

There are a lot of issues that emerge in communities. Some are very visible; some are relatively hidden. Oftentimes we pride ourselves in being able to see these issues and talk about them. But the real question is, "What are we going to do about them?"

James 4:17 reads: Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

What can you do about the issues you know about? Do you have a problem with something happening on a national level? Have you offered a solution? Have you contacted your representatives? For instance, many people are concerned about the oil spill in the gulf. Do you have the ability to offer your time or services to resolve the issue?

Have you noticed our economic hardships? Have you offered to be part of a delegation to secure new businesses for Henry County? Can you help re-train someone who is out of work? Are you able to teach a new job skill? Are you doing what you can to make Henry County appealing to prospective businesses?

Do you appreciate our local heroes; our first responders? Have you told them or shown them in a tangible way? Have you encouraged them or prayed for them?

Maybe one of the invisible things in our community is our identity. When you look in the mirror do you see part of the answer to many of these issues? Don't wait for the President, or Congress to do something. Stop depending on the state or local government to "take care of it." Be part of the solution even if your church is not mobilizing. You and I can be agents of grace, healing, encouragement, and restoration. "We The People" can make a difference, and if you are a Christian you are an ambassador of the Kingdom of God. See the issues and talk about them, but don't stop there. Do something!

Any questions or comments? Email me at curt@smdcog.org

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