Titus 3:14 says “[The local church] must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.”
I don’t have a lot to write tonight. I really just want to pose a question. Spark a discussion. Ignite some passion. Generate some creativity. Fulfill some callings.
There are so many pressing needs in our world, in our country, in our state, our county, our city, our town, our community, even our own houses. I want to point out 3 of them, and ask for your prayers, your ideas, and your efforts in how we can, as Christians, and members of the local and global church, engage the pressing needs of our community.
Homelessness
It is an ever increasing reality for so many. And not just lazy people who don’t want to get a real job. We are talking about individuals and families who have jobs, who make money, who work hard, but who still cannot afford reasonable housing. Rent is too high, and substandard housing is far too prevalent.
How can we provide quality, affordable housing for the people who need it most?
Hunger
From Africa to China, from LA to DC, from Brazil to Greenland, hunger is an issue. It’s not just in Ethiopia, it’s next door. Everywhere hunger is, our hearts should break. Food is a life or death item, therefore we cannot afford to hesitate any longer in addressing this ever present issue. What can we do to get food to those who are dying because they don’t have what we throw away tons of everyday?
Health Care
Quality health care costs. And it costs big. The number of individuals without health care is unbelievable. From babies, to 40 somethings, to the elderly, health issues don’t escape anyone, and neither do the bill collectors. People need quality care, at a reasonable cost, without miles of red tape and paperwork. How can we mobilize a volunteer army of doctors, nurses, health care professionals, and insurance agents to provide these services?
I agree with those who say that the local church is the hope of the world.
We are followers of a man who set the perfect example of how to love God and love people. We are called to do the same. Not only are we called to meet peoples pressing needs of housing, hunger, and health care, but their actual need of salvation through the gospel of Christ Jesus. Organizations, Christian or secular, all over the earth are capable of providing food, housing and health care, and many are already doing a great job at it. But as the local church, we alone have the privilege, ability and responsibility to meet the pressing needs and their actual need.
We must do more good. We most do more good, more often. We must be more fruitful.
Join me in praying; for ideas and resources, join me in planning, join me in doing. Let us meet these pressing needs, and in the process show people Christ in us.
