The point becomes somewhat inescapable. Biblical faith involves more than merely living within our own insular "spiritual" realm. Although "not of this world" in terms of values system and character of being, believers are nonetheless assigned a role of temporal service within that world in which we presently live.
"Religion that is pure and genuine in the sight of God the Father," writes the apostle, "will show itself by such things as visiting orphans and widows in their distress [i.e., "loving one's neighbor as one's self" - the second requirement of divine mandate] and keeping oneself uncontaminated by the world," [i.e., as outworking of the first priority - totally "loving the Lord your God"] - (Js. 1:27, Phillips, reflecting Matt. 22:35-40).
Why this reversal of order in James' epistle? Might it be that, then as now, some of those committed to the "spiritual" dimension of Christian profession tended at times to lose sight of the Church's present social responsibilities? We would venture the possibility.
Early yesterday (Sunday), we watched the telecast of the previous week's morning worship from a rather large church in a neighboring city. During the service the pastor shared concerning the congregation's having not only provided housing, food and other needs for a large contingency of Katrina evacuees, but of having raised more than $200,000 for related causes and agencies. Many churches obviously lack the resources for such largesse, but the point here becomes one of care and concern. Will God bless these people - along with others who cared? I suspect so.
Later in the day, we were additionally pleased with the editorial of a prominent Sunday paper in this area. Here it was noted that, despite the reservations of some and opposition of others, so called "faith based initiatives" had, in many instances, outperformed government programs designed to address the victims' needs. This, as the editor saw it, revolved to considerable extent around the fact that such efforts reflected a dimension necessarily absent mere bureaucratic endeavor - the presence and expression of caring love.
Are labors of such nature without problems and/or frustration? No. Are charitable persons and causes sometimes used? Yes. Yet within such giving exists a response to which our Lord shall one day grant recognition:
"I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in..." (Matt. 25:35-40 NASB).
Enough said.
Burl Ratzsch
