Note: As you read this blog today, know I’m speaking to myself as well. 

A few years ago, a team visited a mission’s organization I was working with. As we rode to the airport for their flight home, one team member started talking about the problem of providing water directly to every home in the country. He knew it would be an easy fix. They just had to do it, and he started listing some steps.

I didn’t say anything, but I was getting frustrated. If it is so easy, why doesn’t he do something about it? Why are you going back home instead of staying around to help fix the problem? This person did not seem to understand the fix wasn’t as easy as he imagined.  There are many more components to getting a clean water supply to everyone than just putting in a system, but he didn’t live here. He didn’t have a full understanding, and I realized how easy it is to judge a situation or provide a solution without fully understanding the situation.

Social media seems to thrive because of the opportunity to freely express our opinions, concerns, and ideas. Many times, without having to follow them up with any action. I’ve started thinking: what would happen if people actually took some steps to go along with the opinions and ideas they so easily share. Some are actually taking steps to do something, but others feel they’ve done something just by posting their opinion or idea. 

After the shooting in Santa Fe,  I read a post by a pastor in the Houston area. I loved that he encouraged people to take a step beyond posting a picture stating they were praying for the families. He encouraged people to do something practical, even offering ideas. 

As I read Psalm 140 this morning, I heard myself crying out, “Do something!” For me, it is easier to have ideas and talk about them than to actually do the work and find a way to put them in to action. I  believe we are created to do something. Jesus called us to do more than voice our opinions and pray, but to go and make disciples of all nations.

To go involves risk, cost, and struggles, but as followers of Christ, if we are going to do what we have been created to do, that is exactly what we need to do. Jesus didn’t just speak, but he walked out his word through his actions. I think it’s time we put down the social media, admit our excuses, and start getting our hands dirty and do something. People are dying. They need more than words. People need faith acted out in love and service. They need you to do something. 

What breaks your heart today? What can you do about it? Do something!

“But I know the Lord will help those they persecute; he will give justice to the poor” (Psalm 140:12 NLT).