Products of Discussion

Currently Watching
Blood Diamond
Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, Jennifer Connelly


Previously I had expressed a sense of loss as to what I could do to alleviate some of the suffering in this world. When I watched this movie I was confronted with that feeling again seeing the turmoil that modern-day Africa is in. Again I started to think, could I join a relief organization, write a check, petition government officials? Then at one point, I realized the futility and self-centered-ness of all of those ideas. What can I do? Nothing. The right question is: what can God do? Or rather, what is God doing? If He wanted to, He could end all suffering for all people, everywhere, this very moment. I believe He does not because He wants His people to be involved in His work. We need to look for the places where God is working, and the ways in which He is working, and then join Him. Then once we are in-line with God's will, once we are on His side, He can use us to change the world. So then if I were to send money overseas instead of using it to go on a short term mission, would that be pleasing to God? I would say that ninety-nine percent of the time the answer is no. Funds and resources are not the issue because it is nothing for Him to supply overseas missionaries with money. People with a willing heart to serve is the thing that is in short supply. He wants to build relationships, He wants to reveal Himself through relationships, and money cannot do that.