That’s What Christians Are Supposed To Do

I was at my boyfriend’s house today. His parents were hosting an open house day and I was there helping out. During one of the lulls between visitors, I had a chat with his Aunt. 

This is one amazing woman! She is a women’s rights activist. She has had some crazy adventures, been to prison, tortured... the works! As I listened to her telling story after story, I was completely in awe.

I then asked her a question. ‘What made you decide to get into this line of work?’

Her answer has left me pondering ever since.

‘I did this work because I thought that is what Christians are supposed to do.’

How profound.

I am Australian. I come from the ninth richest country in the world. I live in Singapore, the fourth richest nation. I understand affluence. Even though my family were never wealthy, we definitely had it good in world standards.

I used to work for Sportscraft, which is a fashion label in Australia. I managed one of their stores. It was actually during my time there that I decided to be a Christian again. Even in the short time between my recommitment and my resignation from the job, I already was struggling with the commercialism that I was endorsing. I found it difficult to spend my days convincing relatively wealthy people that they need to buy my products to further their comfort and style. 

So I got out. And went to Bible College.

Which brings me back to Joel’s Aunt’s answer.

I live in a world of the pursuit of comfort, pleasure and convenience. There is very little difference between the Christians and non-Christians in this area. 

I feel sad that sometimes, as Christians, we are more interested in looking after our own comfort, than in being a voice for the voiceless. We value our own safety higher than we value being justice fighters. We will give a little of our time, a little of our resources, but will not give our lives for something greater than ourselves. We may see a documentary, or a news paper article, or hear an appeal at church. And we may cry our tears, give some money and soon forget.

I don’t want to be like that anymore. I don’t want to float through my life pursuing my own comforts and never get to Jesus’ heart that bleeds for the hurting and the broken.

Now that I have seen, I am responsible

Faith without deeds is dead

- ‘Albertine’ by Brooke Fraser