Social Concern
Read a few Urbana articles which came in my email today. More and more I find my concern for social welfare and justice growing. My compassion for the poor, weak and needy is stirred more frequently and more deeply.
Yet that compassion is oft numb. Paralyzed by the overwhelming media coverage we have. I found this article convicting and really hit home on that paralysis: Who is my Neighbour? Paralyzed by CNN: Dealing with Compassion Burnout.
The second article I read, entitled Evangelism and Social Concern, also resounded with my growing concern beyond the spiritual needs of people. Since becoming Christian I have believed it most important that we reach out to people for their spiritual needs. Not for the numbers on some misled religious conversion crusade but out of love, consistent with the truth I honestly believe, I put my focus on where it matters most: the spiritual health of people.
Whenever an opportunity arises for donation–whether prompted by people, crisis, or routine at church–the question of how to be a good steward of my money would arise and the same answer would be re-affirmed: save the money for spiritual charities like missionary work. Again, not out of disdain for non-spiritual things nor due to a conversion-crazy mindset, but in keeping with my values. I mean, spiritual work has eternal impact, while social work is only a band-aid solution, after all…
And this I still believe.
But are band-aids not important?
That is the thought gaining weight in me now.
No–not because of the thought that we can’t effectively reach people spiritually if we don’t minister to them physically. That is a) untrue because the Holy Spirit can work in any way and b) manipulative and conniving if seen as merely a necessary step before conversion.
Now allow me to use the term “social work” with my non-academic understanding in a wide encapsulating way: anything non-spiritual but charitable, philanthropic or whatever comes to mind.
Social work is important because:
- though not spiritual/eternal, the physical/emotional/psychological/social aspects are still real, and are essential dimensions of human life.
- Jesus’ immense focus on social work models this as a priority for us
- God’s call for us to love one another most surely includes social work
What’s more, it is also important to me because it stirs me so deeply. God has given me such compassion for people as it is–a big drive in why I serve–so for those in poverty and brokenness not only spiritual but also physical–that breaks my heart to another level still.
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So what will I do? Mmm I pondered this in a previous entry and it is still unclear. What’s new is a distinctly strong call–stronger than ever–to a more direct ministry as a vocation rather than as a side-thing, and the thoughts of this post in combination with a revelation of personal character brings me to this.
June 14th, 2008 at 11:18 am
[...] my subscriptions but I read another Urbana article again, Emerging Generation, interestingly my progression in thought is part of a general trend =p Although the exclusive claims of the gospel are hard for the younger [...]
June 15th, 2008 at 12:56 am
“I have believed it most important that we reach out to people for their spiritual needs. Not for the numbers on some misled religious conversion crusade but out of love, consistent with the truth I honestly believe”
I’ve been doing that almost every day, making this world a happier place one person at a time… what about you?
June 16th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
interesting thoughts bily
it’s cool to see that this is an increasing burden that you have
I would have to disagree partially about social work being a band aid solution. A lot of the work is tending to the consequences of so many social problems, but there are things that are prevention oriented. But I guess you are talking abt these things in a eternal life perspective, then just meeting physical needs is certainly not enough. Although social work can encompass meeting people’s spiritual needs as needed, but that is quite missing in western social work practice quite a lot.
great thoughts!
September 9th, 2009 at 7:49 am
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.