11 September 2009

Today our nation remembers the attack upon the World Trade Centers, the Pentagon, and the planned attack on the Capitol or the White House.  Like most Americans, I remember where I was at the time.

I was preparing to leave the house for my Bible study group.  I was watching Katie Couric on the Today Show when she went to the roof of the building to show us what had happened after the first attack.  As she reported, the second plane flew into the other World Trade Center behind her. It was astounding. It was unbelievable.  But it was true. 

I cancelled Bible study and sat at home watching in horror as the events of the day unfolded.  Inside of me there swelled a desire to help those in pain.  In my spirit I wanted to respond to such need.  But I wasn’t sure what to do. How could I help?  How would I ever even get into the city? So I waited.

I love New York City.  I’ve loved it since the first time I walked out of the subway thirty years ago. I love its’ people.  I love its’ hustle and bustle.  I love it sights, sounds and smells.  I came to the Northeast in hopes of starting a new church in New York City.

My heart was throbbing as I watched the unfolding scenes of the following days. What could I do? What should I do?  How would I do it? So I waited. I prepared a special message that Sunday and delivered it with passion. People said it was great. They complemented me on my handling of the situation. Then we all went home. I never did anything significant to help with this tragedy. I never led my church to do anything to help with this dark day in our history. I waited.

History tells us that the much of the Church sat on the sidelines while the Nazis systematically murdered millions of people. These people were their neighbors, their countrymen. Why didn’t they do anything?  I think I know - to my shame.  They must have sat around moaning, and asking questions, and talking while squads of soldiers escorted innocent people past their doors. They should have been willing to die for those whom Christ died.  Instead many of them must have waited. 

Having visited Haiti and Thailand several times since 9/11, I sometimes find my “American” brand of Christianity a bit too comfortable.  We have so much and often do so little.  We are the only continent on the planet where the Church is in serious decline, yet we have more resources than anywhere in the world.  We gather each week for worship and talk about the great work before us. Then we go home.

There will be a few times in our lives when waiting is costly.  Opportunity presents itself for a brief window of time, and then passes like the winds of Hurricane Katrina.  If you wait, you miss the chance to make a huge difference in the name of Christ. Then, there is the other 99% of the time where need is all around us.

God forgive me for not doing more when many needed me most.  God, forgive us when we sit idly by while people all around us need our help.  God forgive us when we preach and teach and worship on Sundays, then go home and do so little about what we just heard.  God forgive the Church for sometimes building walls between themselves and those whom they were sent to serve.

There are people all around you everyday who need help.  There are organizations that provide help to those who need the help of the local church and Christ followers. Often those organizations need our help.  There are ministries and initiatives in our churches that need participation.  There are ministry opportunities yet to be addressed by compassionate, caring people who want to make a difference.

I don’t have all that many years left in ministry. I want to continue to lead a church family that does more than talk and study about what Jesus would do than actually doing it.   I am pleased to serve a church where we are making a difference.  Yet, we can do more.  Someday I hope this statement will be completely accurate.  “To be part of CACC is to be an active, helpful part of the community and the world . . . in Jesus’ name and for His glory.” One book I’m reading calls it a “Servolution.”

I intend to never again “wait” when an opportunity like 9/11 comes along. And I also intend to lead our church family into ever increasing opportunities to love people in need through our involvement with local helping organizations, our ministry campus, and our own ministry endeavors. I hope you will join me in this “Servolution.”

Sometime today please take the time to not only honor those who lost their lives and their families, but also honor those who did not “wait.”

Sharing the Journey,

Pastor Don