May 22, 2006
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Christianity is about serving the community. It is about giving, sharing, and doing what is right with others. It is about solving the problems that face by humankind and be less concerned with our own personal happiness. But sometimes it is hard to know what is right and wrong for others. What may be right for me may not be right for others. Hell, sometimes I don’t even know what is right for me, let alone knowing what is right for others.
I don’t think there is a right or wrong way of giving your gifts and talents to the community. If one truly gives without feeling righteous about it, then it is not wrong. If one truly gives with sincerity without trying to fix, change, or mold others to one’s way, or without asking for anything in return, then this is not wrong. As long as we don’t jump on everyone else and solve everybody else’s problems to avoid our own problems, then it is not wrong.
I started out helping the community by solving my own personal problems because I am part of that community. If there are problems in the world, then part of the world’s problems is me. I must first put my house in order. The world is a big community. This community is nothing but relationship with each other. If I have problems, then my relationship with you and the world will have problems. The beginning has to be with me if I think that there are problems.
Nothing exists in a vacuum. Sometimes all we see is the symptoms of the problem and not the root. Violence is not the root but the symptoms of neurosis. Individual aggression is the root. Even a peace march can turn into a violence march with these individual aggressions. Poverty is not the root but the symptoms of the root called greed. Poverty does not exist because things are scarce; it exists because people are being greedy and hoarding. We buy in excess and we hoard. When our attics, garages, and closets no longer have enough space for things, we buy or rent space. Even when we know that we are not going to use that old kettle or coffee maker again, we still would like to keep them around because they give us comfort (just in case). We find comfort in hoarding. One refrigerator and freezer is not enough, we have to have two or three around because it gives us comfort knowing that we have lots of foods and drinks around. We find comfort in hoarding. One serving of chips is not good enough; we have to have one bag. We wonder why there is poverty.
How do you see yourself helping the community?
Comments (9)
I think that when you have found something helpful, you should share it with others, be it materials or knowledge. I would help the best way that I can. In helping others I am being who I am and getting to know more about others and myself as well. I know sometimes I get frustrated when others can’t see my view or that they should do the things I think is right. But I think we should help others just because that is who we are, not because we want others to do the things we think is right. Helping is like giving, and we should give with no expectation of anything in return….
I think i’m helping the xanga community by asking my readers to pray and help others…
you can relate to my posts for the answer
. btw, thank you for your greeting, chi.
i used to be more of a hoarder but fortunately ive overcome that habit. I listen to every cd i have, eat the food thats around and avoid buying frivilous appliances.
Great post trimtab I apprecaite you coming by. Judi
Wonderful post. I have one question…As a christian, do you believe it is your duty to convert others to Christianity? Some of my christian friends believe it to be their cause.
“I must first put my house in order.” Just the reminder I needed to hear today. Thanks to you!
here is a thought…
sometimes.. at least for me.. when I focus on others and their needs.. I forget about mine. My needs all of a sudden become less and seem to heal themselves. I think most times especially in the “christian” community we tend to focus so much on us. “Bless me Lord” Heal me Lord” me me me… when.. there is a person or a family next to us that has a need. We lose our focus on what is important.
I think … we tend to focus too much on the right and wrongs instead of the doing good for others.
Watch my thoughts and deeds that against others.