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    by Fred Price

A Need To Do Something
Date Posted: August 1, 2003

The loss of space shuttle Columbia, the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the ongoing hardships associated with our response to Afghanistan and war in Iraq as well as our continuing involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian quaqmire has altered our sense of well-being and how we view the world. Activities once taken for granted no longer bring satisfaction, some of which may be good. My personal response, after shock and anger, was a need for solitude. Unable to fully comprehend what was happening, I was torn between needing to do something and not knowing what to do. Lacking direction and excitement for life as it now presented itself, I searched for insight and inspiration. This came somewhat from my recollection of what this nation accomplished as a result of Pearl Harbor and our involvement in WWII as well as similar episodes throughout history involving courageous acts by valiant men; William Wallace, George Washington, the heroes of the Alamo, creating in me a desire to do something of like value. (Although we often forget the sacrifice and setbacks even heroes suffer.)

Yet that concerned me, as I am ordinarily a level-headed, non-violent person at heart and all these men were of necessity "action" heroes, having to respond forcefully to the challenges of their day. Why am I not as excited by acts of kindness and deeds done by means other than force? The need to act decisively with finality is what I believe is so appealing. When we can't it frustrates us, becoming a stumbling block to further activity. But much of life can't be lived that way. Relationships take time to establish and maintain; business ventures require time to develop; faith issues, with concepts of right and wrong - good and evil, being matters of the heart finding release in word and deed, are especially time-consuming.

We live in an age comparable to Jeremiah's, whose task was to address the shortcomings of people who had lost the capacity for shame. "They do not even know how to blush." (Jeremiah 6:15) People Isaiah described as confusing issues and manipulating principles, "Who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness,...bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." (Isaiah 5:2I Distorting issues to suit their own purpose, they no longer comprehended or cared to know the difference. (Amazing how little people change over time!) That can make being a person of faith difficult. We can't merely "fix" people nor easily correct misunderstandings or misapplication of scripture. Society is changed one person at a time by changing ideas; which is possible only when we personally make every thought obedient to Christ, enabling us to then contest arguments used against the knowledge of God. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

Volunteering time, donating money and giving blood during times of crisis is certainly beneficial. Doing to and for others - in everything, at all times - what we would have done to us, could change the face of the world. (Matthew 7:12) This principle of living, taught and exemplified by Jesus, is the personification of the Gospel; equating faith with faithfulness expressed in acts of compassion and obedience. (Matthew 5-6-7) For, "...faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead," (James 2:17 Herein we prove the value of what we profess as, "...wisdom is proved right by her actions." (Matthew 11:19)

Turning the other cheek, being discerning but not judgmental, going the extra mile, being generous with time and money - expecting nothing in return, are ideals all men appreciate but few practice. Unable to convince all of the rightness of this way we can convince some, unable to solve all problems we can aid many; those influenced may not respond as we prefer, but being inflexible in our expectations is often counter-productive while those overly involved in the politics of religion, attempting to legislate goodness and morality, are largely unsuccessful as people respond best when convinced it is in their best interest to do so. Many present difficulties could be resolved if our hearts reflected Paul's in, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3,4)

We may feel hard-pressed on every side, but we aren't crushed; circumstances are perplexing, but we need not despair; we may be singled out and persecuted, but we are not abandoned; some have been struck down, but we are not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9) For in loving sincerely, being devoted to one another, honoring others above self; practicing hospitality and empathizing with both those who rejoice and mourn; living in harmony with one another, not being over-proud of our own accomplishments but willing to associate with those different from ourselves - we will find peace and purpose. In being careful to recognize differences in opinion, allowing for them though not embracing them; living peaceably, as far as is possible, with everyone - we will gain consideration as well. As a result we will not be overcome by evil but overcome it with good. (Romans 12:9-21)

That is possible only as a consequence of an unequivocal commitment to the cause of Christ, realizing it won't be easy nor will the call to Godliness be universally popular. Our national conscience stems in large part from these principles and values; and while the American dream as well as the precepts of the church have never been perfectly realized, in our struggle to achieve them we are elevated as a people, being challenged to do more. Attempting the impossible won't always be exciting but it can bring a deep sense of satisfaction in being in God's will. And that is exciting! So, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don't give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people..." (Galatians 6:9)

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Biography Information:

Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.

Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker.  He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today.  Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.  

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