Articles
Just Imagine!
Then and now
It has been suggested that television and air conditioning have contributed to isolating us from our neighbors. The old custom of sitting on the front porch on a warm summer evening and interacting with the neighborhood is long gone. Whether or not TV and A/C are to blame, it must be admitted. People don’t “neighbor” much anymore.
Our Constitution guarantees the rights and freedoms of the individual. Properly exercised, this is good. But is it possible that as a nation we have stressed rights to the neglect of responsibility, and individuality to the detriment of community?
Making a positive difference
Many of our fellow citizens do have a strong sense of community and work hard for the betterment of our town. The quality of life in our communities is definitely higher because of their dedicated efforts.
So much needs to be done. Whether in improving race relations, cleaning up blighted areas, attracting new businesses, volunteering in worthy causes, or whatever the need, let’s get involved in doing something for our city.
Having the greatest impact for good
But what is the absolute best thing we can do for our community? Isn’t it for each of us as individuals to live in harmony with the will of God—and to help others do the same by sharing the gospel with them?
Just imagine if everyone in our town truly lived by the teachings of Christ: Would there be any rape, robbery, or assault—at least by our own citizenry? Would we lie to one another or gossip about each other?
Would we have the substance abuse problems we do now? Would husbands and wives cheat on each other? Would children be abused or neglected?
Positively, devotion to Christ means obeying the law of the land (Romans 13:1-7). It means seeking opportunities to serve (Titus 3:1, 8, 14). It means giving instead of always receiving (Acts 20:35). It means reflecting the light of Christ in a dark, dark world (Philippians 2:15).
Christians who really live by the Book make the best citizens!
How we respond
Sad to say, many will not choose to live for Christ (Matthew 7:13-14), but what’s to stop any of us from resolving that regardless of what others may do, we will give complete allegiance to the One who died that we might live?
