Somthing to Think About

In the Sunday night adult Bible study we have been studying a book called Faith Works. It is about taking action based on faith- action in our community, in the world, in politics. The central idea is Jesus' message to care for the poor.

This book has spurred some interesting conversations. Here are a couple thoughts to think about.

Who do you know who lives in poverty?
This book suggests that around a quarter of the people who live in America are in poverty (questions continue to pop up as you talk about this stuff, like "what counts as "poverty"). Think about those around you. Are you currently aware of people in poverty? Are you insulated from those in poverty (you know insulation keeps cold air from escaping your house in the summer, it works pretty much the same way to keep yourself separated from poor people).

How do you treat people with less money?
In our adult study all we talked about was how to help people in poverty. We all say we care about these people but is that really true? Regardless of what we say in a Bible study, our lives will reveal what we truly believe. A big question we face is "how do we really feel about our fellow humans- particularly those who are poorer than us or from different backgrounds (race, lifestyle etc.) As youth do you judge people based on the clothes they wear (if its the cheap brand they aren't cool)? What kind of people can make it into your circle of friends? Are wealth, race, weight, parents jobs, etc. things you use for putting other people down?

How can we make a difference?
Honestly, under close evaluation none of us love others perfectly. We all have a tendency to be a little judgmental. But even in our imperfection we may find that we want to make a difference in our community and in our world. What can we do? How can we be engaged in politics, in personal action, in the lives of people that will make a difference?

More than just talking
How can you move from wanting to make a difference to doing it? Probably the most important thing is to not put it off, but to take action now. Start small, but make sure you start. Conversation about change is great if it leads to action but otherwise is useless.

I think people have a tendency to talk about big problems. Its great to see the big picture and to see big things to change. The funny thing, is that big changes come from small ones. As we become a little more loving to those around us, as we learn to live a little more simply, as we learn to hear God more clearly, we can be a force of change not just in our community but in the world.

Don't just talk about "what are the worst problems regarding poverty?" ask yourself "what action can I take today?".