You recently sent me a note, commenting on a blog that I wrote on how I'm not really into the Social Issue Thing a few weeks ago.
Here is your comment.
"You seem like a great guy, so i'm just trying to figure out how you "aren't really into the social issue thing". That's all Jesus did on earth...is tried to change different "social issues" to make them better."
- Anonymous
First of all I want to say thank you very much for reading my blog. I really enjoy writing them and I'm very honored that you would take the time to check in and actually read what I write from time to time. So first of all, thanks.
I must admit, however, that I think you have misunderstood what I wrote about Social Issues. In my recent blog I stated that I am not into the "Social Issue Thing". By "Social Issue Thing" I mean, the tendency that people have on facebook, myspace, websites and media outlets to simply and only raise awareness of a particular social issue.
Many social issues are buzz words that a lot of people talk about, and that is a good thing, words are extremely powerful, however, at some point we have to stop talking and simply role up our sleeves and do something about the issue we are aware of.
Here is the thing...I'm 100% for helping people, feeding the hungry, giving water to the sick, and freeing people from the bondage of abuse, but I'm for helping them, I'm for doing something about it, not just raising awareness of the problem. And sometimes (not all the time) but sometimes the term Social Issue is a buzz word that people cling to and talk about in order make themselves feel like they are doing something, when in actuality they are only talking. There is nothing wrong with talking, words are extremely powerful, but at some point we have to stop talking, roll up our sleeves and make a difference.
That's why we are raising funds to build a clean water well in Africa at Oneighty. That is why my family and I are taking on a few Social Issue projects that we feel strongly about as a family this year. I want to do something about the issues I am aware of.
That is what I meant by the statement...."I'm not into the Social Issue Thing".
I also feel that I need to address the statement you made in your comment ...."That's all Jesus did on earth...is tried to change different "social issues" to make them better".
There is one reason, that Jesus came to the earth and that is to "Seek and Save the Lost". This mission of seeking out individuals that have been separated from God and reuniting them with their creator was the only thing that drove Jesus to the cross.
I think in our desire to impact our world for the good, the church is in danger of substituting Social Issues for the Cross of Jesus Christ.
Did Jesus care about the poor? Absolutely he did. Did Jesus feed the hungry? On many occasions. However, you stated that "all Jesus did on earth was try and change different social issues to make them better". This is not true. Jesus did not come to the earth to feed the poor, raise the dead, and heal the sick. He came to the earth to save humanity from an eternal separation from God.
While he was fulfilling that mission, he did feed the hungry, he did heal the sick, he did help those in need, but he did those things to give us an example of how we as Christ Followers should live out our life while here on earth. As I read the scriptures, however, I see nowhere that making social issues better was Christ main mission for wrapping himself in human flesh and coming to the planet he created.
Again, I sure appreciate you reading my blog and I hope you continue to do so.
May HIS best be yours,
Kevin Moore