Standing Together in Unjust TimesSample

Think “We”—Not “Me”

As Christians, a life of insulation is the opposite of our calling. Our lives routinely include stepping into community as servants and seekers of justice. The historical view of Christianity calls humans to love God and to love their neighbors like they love themselves. The life of Jesus clearly exemplified these principles. He spent his adult life on a mission to help people, heal people, and lift them out of their despair. There is an inherent giving up of selfhood in a life that is lived in such a way. To love anyone well, we must see them first and be willing to acknowledge their needs, even if our acknowledgment means that we give something up of our “self.” 

Loving one another in the way God intends calls us to have a willingness to hear worldviews that are different than our own, and to listen to them with compassion and empathy. The mission is to undertake the work of compassion, regardless of ideology. When we assume a posture of humility, of being willing to link arms instead of cross them, we build healthy relationships and communities. 

The list of ways you can contribute to the larger tapestry of community service is endless. Perhaps the easiest way to start is to begin by asking yourself questions like, “What do I wish would have been done for me when I was younger?” or “What kinds of stories make me respond with an increased level of emotion? How might I step into that space?” When people ask themselves questions like these, they begin to see the needs of those around them more clearly. It’s when we can see those needs, match them up with our personal skill set, and become proximate to those in need, that a mission is born.

Imagine people from different walks of life, denominations, and backgrounds all working together with a “we” mentality instead of a “me” mentality as they confront the injustices in their communities. What a sight it would be for others to witness how the whole body of Christ can work together to serve alongside each other.

How do you define service? How do you serve now within your community?

How do you respond to worldviews that are different from yours?

What are the issues that your community is currently facing? If you aren’t aware, how could you find out?