GOD IS PERFECT

    There is always a cause that needs funding and volunteers. Today's modern societies are founded on the pursuit of rights and recognition for many people and many issues. Non-profit organisations are plentiful in practically every country. They form part of civil society. Their existence gives hope to many who are disadvantaged and forgotten. The same can be said for movements. But are they as hopeful and righteous as they sound?

It is easy to get caught up with movements and causes. There are so many crying out for justice in this world. It seems that we as a human race have not really achieved anything for human kind. As soon as we make a breakthrough in medicine we create another situation. 

I have done my share of volunteerism at the community level. It can drain your resources and your energy if you are not careful. It is important to balance and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus not your own efforts. Give of yourself where you feel God wants you to.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9 

Living in the United Kingdom for a short while taught me a few things. One that will stay with me, is the real reason why some people volunteer and join movements. 

I was shocked to hear people say that they give to charity and volunteer because God is not real. Often I heard, what kind of God would let people suffer? It made no sense trying to explain that it is our quest to move away from the true and living God that causes the problems in the world. 

As I urged you on my departure to Macedonia, you should stay on at Ephesus to instruct certain men not to teach false doctrines or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith. 1 Timothy 1:3-4

How should Christians respond? Firstly, movements and charities are sometimes founded on the basis that they can make a difference. If that difference is to prove that man can and God cannot help someone, then walk away. Your blessing will come when your work is for the Kingdom. If the concept is not Kingdom minded then your effort will not be blessed.

Secondly, make sure you understand the agenda for the objective of the organisation. I will give two examples. The work can be to ensure the rights of a child. But the agenda can be to ultimately cause parents to have less rights to teach the child about Christian values.

I recently heard a government minister in another country speaking about having four parents when there is a father in a family. The reasoning offered is that the man is a dominant figure and to balance that, there should be three parents who are not males, two of whom would be assigned by the state. Voters were not told this. Voters saw an individual working for equal rights.

In my own country I heard a politician saying that once elected he would stop parents from teaching their religion to their children. Children will not have to go to church, temple, or mosque with their parents. Of course there are others who want to lower the age of consent for sex with young people. Movements and volunteer groups tend to move people away from God.

Their banquets are accompanied by lyre and harp, by tambourine and flute, and by wine; But they do not pay attention to the deeds of the LORD, Nor do they consider the work of His hands. 

Therefore My people go into exile for their lack of knowledge;

And their honorable men are famished, And their multitude is parched with thirst. 

Therefore Sheol has enlarged its throat and opened its mouth without measure; And Jerusalem’s splendor, her multitude, her din of revelry and the jubilant within her, descend into it. Isaiah 5:12-14

Let me point out that in this scripture and often in criticisms of the Jews or Jerusalem it is directed at the leaders such as the Pharisees and Sadducees. For this reason, I chose to give political examples. Many of the activists end up promoting particular politicians or political parties.

Jesus is the solution to the problems of this world. It is our job as Christians to demonstrate that in our lives, in our life of prayer and our conversation. 

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form. And you have been made complete in Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. Colossians 2:8-10

God did not create the problems, it started with sin in the garden of Eden. How many times did God have mercy on man's disobedience? He even sent His only Son to take our sins so we can by grace enter into heaven.

I pray you are strengthened in Christ. I pray the joy of The Lord is your strength and you keep your eyes on Jesus in Jesus name.

If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour you may say this prayer;

Dear Heavenly Father,

I ask you to forgive my sins in knowledge or ignorance. Please forgive me. I accept Jesus as my Saviour. I ask that Jesus comes into my life as I live to be a witness for Him. Please change my life and make me into the person you want me to be, in Jesus name I pray. Thank you.