Citizens, not Spectators

President Bush challenged the nation Monday to rekindle the volunteer spirit it had after the terrorist attacks back in September of 2001. Bush related how the fading memory of the tragedy has meant that many people no longer sense the urgency to freely help others in need. On the 7th anniversary of the worst terrorist attack in the nation’s history, the President told those on the White House South Lawn that volunteers end up as enriched as those they help and that Americans should be "citizens, not spectators."

Although America still tends to ‘out give’ most other nations when disaster strikes, there seems to be a growing attitude of overall self-centeredness. Perhaps this is due partly to an affluent lifestyle, but more so to the steady increase of a secular influence above Biblical teachings and principles.

At the outset of Christianity, its leader clearly stated His divine purpose in Matthew chapter 20. It seems that two of His disciples were arguing over which one should be closest to the Lord in His future kingdom. Even their interfering mother joined the fray and offered her insanely bold request on behalf of her two self-centered offspring. Their request to be front and center, in turn, caused friction and growing resentment with the rest of the group.

Upon seeing the brewing crisis, Jesus stepped in and stated in verse 23 how this sacred decision was His heavenly Father’s alone. He also quickly seized the opportunity to speak to the issue of sacrificial service. His concluding remarks, especially in verse 28, reemphasized His own eternal purpose and no doubt humbled those who heard Him. “And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

The revelation of Christ as the supreme servant was meant to influence the attitudes and actions of all of those He would redeem since that day. This was the Apostle Paul’s mode of operation in his great missionary endeavors in the early church. He describes his thought process in 1 Corinthians 9:19. “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more.” Paul also encouraged believers to follow his lead in Galatians 5:13-14. “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

It is widely known that after Hurricane Katrina decimated much of the U.S. Gulf Coast, it was primarily the people of faith and their churches who rose to the challenge. Many feel that the church did the lion’s share of the cleanup especially in that first long year. This outpouring of Christian love and volunteerism not only honored their Lord, but was instrumental in building a solid bridge of testimony upon which to share God’s great plan of salvation. Only eternity will reveal how many precious souls will reside in heaven forever as a result these kind and loving efforts.

The coupling of prayer with sacrificial service after Katrina revealed countless volunteers to be, as President Bush put it, "citizens, not spectators." But for many of those that citizenship was a dual one. (Philippians 3:20) They became present day examples of the amazingly effective New Testament model seen in 1 Thessalonians 1:9. “Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”

Bill Breckenridge