You Can Do Something

Secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free; the LORD gives sight to the blind. The LORD raises up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD protects the stranger, sustains the orphan and the widow, but thwarts the way of the wicked. Psalm 146:7-9 

Today, I read a line from Max Lucado’s book “Outlive Your Life” which is “One cannot do everything, but one can do something”.

As Christians, we are one with the Lord in looking after his children. The psalmist echoes God’s heart for the poor. God’s eyes are big on the small. He longs for us to take our place in his work among the unfortunate. Look at those statements:

• Secures justice for the oppressed
• Providing food to the hungry
• Giving prisoners their freedom
• Enabling the disabled
• Raising up those who are lowly
• Welcoming unfamiliar faces
• Spending time with the parent-less and spouse-less

Someone will say, “How can I help when my family needs more help.” Well, everybody needs help. It’s just a matter of managing your resources.

Another will comment, “Others are already doing that, I have my family to feed.” If we are always looking internal and not external of us, we are missing the point. You always have a place to occupy in the scheme of things.

“It’s not my type of ministry, I am busy with other services.” Wrong. We are all called to respond to the needy. Every follower of Christ should put their hearts and hands on this ministry.

“Let the rich do just that, we are not rich.” There is no mention in the verses above that only the rich should do something for the poor and needy.

One can do something. You can. May I suggest the following?

• Pray for the poor.
• Don’t buy a new shirt or clothes once in a month and allot those funds for the poor.
• Give up your trip to Starbucks, enable a poor child to reach his dreams.
• Buy energy efficient appliances, the money you save in energy can energize the weak.
• Turn off electric devices in your home when not in use, the money you save can turn on somebody's life.
• Cancel your late night strolls to bars, provide for those who have no bed at night.
• Give up your I-Phone plan and settle for a low tech phone, the savings you get can empower a child's education plan.
• Post actions for the poor in your Facebook wall or Twitter account.
• Volunteer for inner city mission.
• Participate in your church’ social action ministry.

Yes, you cannot do everything but you can do something. So, do something!