Our present Government has spoken about encouraging the Big Society. We can all believe that it would be great if more people played a greater part in helping our society to work better. But who is doing their bit?
A major story in this month's Diocese of Guildford's newspaper, the Wey, reveals that the largest charity in the country is the Church of England.
Many pieces of research into the workings of charities and non-profit organisations reveal that the largest proportion of volunteers working in assorted charities are active Christian people. Again, when people have studied what sort of people are willing to serve as school governors, it is revealed that so many are active Christians that it is startling!
Why should this be the case? And what can we do to reshape society?
In one of his last parables, Jesus told a startling story about the way different people responded to the needs in society.
One group are praised, much to their astonishment, and they wonder why they have received praise from the King. '“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ (Matthew 25.37-40)
Today, and everyday, we will meet people in one sort of need or another. If we respond, as though we were meeting Jesus, then we will be generous and caring, and we will seek to serve their needs. And that is the motivation we have for reshaping the communities around us.
May the Lord bring us great joy in our service of Him, in the poor and downtrodden in our society.
Best wishes,
Richard
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