There are so many challenges to our Christian faith and its value system in today’s world. We respond by talking about these challenges. Some even make attempts to do something about it, speaking out against injustices, protesting in one way or another. Some feel a sense of hopelessness about the present-day society expressed with an attitude, “Everything is too corrupt, there is hardly a hope for change, it is so overwhelming, just pray that Jesus comes soon.”
What should our Christian response be, in what sometimes seems, “a world gone mad.” If we look at the troubles facing today’s societies, we may feel it being ‘overwhelming.’ But it is exactly in the ‘overwhelming,’ that our Christian faith is called to respond. It is in the ‘overwhelming,’ that we can turn to the One Who Redeems.
We can admit our sense of ‘overwhelming’ and begin to look for the glimmers of hope; begin to see a bit of promise fulfilled. Yes, there are times I sink into the ‘overwhelming’ and I too cry out, “Why?” I do not understand why people blow up themselves and other innocent people. I do not understand why natural disasters strike and devastate the lives of millions; why cruelty and unimaginable loss? I do not understand one human treating another unjustly.
I do not understand the driving force of greed so prevalent today, that worsens poverty world wide, with no sense of moral responsibility. I do not have any answers, I too cry out, “Why?” Even so, I have a Christian conscience that will not allow me to always sit still and cry. I am moved to give a hug, lend a helping hand, demonstrate compassion through deeds, or any other act of kindness.
Even in horrific loss, devastation or overwhelming injustices, as Christians, we are called to give praise and thanks to our God. The Psalms are filled with words that cry out for justice and words that praise and thank the God of the universe for the gift of salvation and the promise of hope. Praise the LORD, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD! (Psalm 117).
When I am filled with praise for the Creator, then I am filled with the Lord’s joy. That joy spills over into acts of compassion and mercy. What difference can one person make in such overwhelming circumstances that face us? There is a story about a man walking along the sea shore throwing stranded starfish back out to the sea. A passer-by stops and asks him, “Why are you doing this? There are thousands of stranded starfish.
You can never make a difference.” The man bends down picks up another, throws it out to sea and replies, “It made a difference for that one.” Matthew 18:20 reminds us, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Also excerpts from James 5:13-16 remind, ‘Are any among you suffering? They should pray… The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up… The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.”
That is our Christian response. I cannot take care of world poverty all alone, but I can sponsor a hungry child. I cannot change devastations of natural disaster, but I can pray for those affected and give my time, talent and resources in ways that I am able. I cannot change the ravages of war, but I can pray for peace and send a letter of encouragement to a soldier, or a letter of hope to a mother with a son at war. As I respond with the love of Christ in any small way I am able, toward the troubles in our world, I can say with Christian confidence in God, “It made a difference for that one”.
Author: Rev. Xavier Zachariah is an ordained minister of Baptist Church, Chennai.
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