Today’s scripture: Luke 10:25-28 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Tommy Chittenden):
Change.org is a phenomenal website that helps focus the power of compassionate men and women to initiate campaigns for social change. In a recent article on the site I was intrigued by the words “accidental activist” which was used to describe well-known and respected members of humanity who work for noble causes.
They (accidental activists) tell how a compulsion entered them, a clarity that they had to do “this work.” They say: “I couldn’t not do it” or “Before I even realized what I was doing, I was doing it.” In every case, they saw an injustice or tragedy or possibility when others weren’t aware of a thing. They heard a thundering call or a whispering voice that nobody else noticed.
Has this ever happened to you? Why it happens is such a puzzling thing, it almost seems that the issues choose us! They summon us to pay attention while we remain oblivious to others. We sometimes feel both blessed and cursed when history chooses us. Regardless, once chosen, we feel we can’t NOT do it.
Throughout human existence there have always been people willing to step forward to struggle valiantly in the hope that they might reverse the downward course of events. Some succeeded, some did not. As you and I face our own time, it’s probably good to remember that we’re only the most recent humans who have been challenged to change things.
Bottom line is this: we have two choices. If we have an idea, or want to resolve an injustice, or stop a tragedy, we choose to step forward. Instead of choosing to be overwhelmed and withdraw or conclude “who am i to think i can make a difference”, we act! We simply begin to speak up about what we care about. We don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of time planning or getting leaders involved or wait for official support. We just need to get started — for whatever issue or person we care about. <see change.org>
When we fail, and that is always a possibility, we don’t have to feel that WE are failures. Instead, we look into our mistakes and failures for the valuable lessons they contain. We can be open to opportunities and help that present themselves, even when they’re different from what we thought was needed. We can follow the energy of “Yes!” rather than accepting defeat or getting stuck in a plan.
This is how the world always changes. Everyday people not waiting for someone else to fix things or come to their rescue, but simply stepping forward, working together, figuring out how to make things better for one another.
Now it’s our turn. Perhaps you’ve heard it or read it before, “WE are the ones we have been waiting for.” Be the change. “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Thought for the day: How can I possibly go wrong, God, if I intentionally choose to love every human being the way You love me — unconditionally. I pray for grace to be love to one another!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.