A Powerful Observation

There is something I’ve noticed lately. My wife and I have become involved in watching many shows on Netflix. We find one we like, and then watch 1 episode per night over the period of a few weeks until we finish the series. We have found great interest in drama type TV shows like “The Event” & ”Persons Unknown” just to name a couple.

It’s so easy to get involved and get pulled into the story. We begin to like the characters, and really want the best for them in this make-believe story, in this make-believe world…

Designed to Care

I think we are made that way. We are made to care about others, designed to feel for them and want good for them. I think it’s the reason we all want to see a happy ending when watching a good movie or TV show. We develop an attachment to the people. We want to see the good guys win and the bad guys lose. It seems like the natural reaction.

Our Moral Compass

It’s this desire which really intrigues me. Imagine if we used this desire the way it was intended. It’s safe/easy to care about people on TV because they can’t hurt us or our feelings, they can’t put us in danger, and they are easily “turned off” if we get tired of them. Imagine if we truly reach out to others. What if we truly care about those around us. What if we make a serious effort to become involved in other’s lives. An effort to really show compassion and love to our community…

Imagine The Effect Of “Loving Thy Neighbor”

I am reminded of God’s command to “Love Your Neighbor”. This was regarded as one of the most important commandments by Jesus, only second to loving God with your all. As I reflect on this, it reminds me of the importance of community outreach and how this all fits together. We, as human beings, are designed to care for one another and it seems I find some of that energy wasted on caring about fictional characters. I think if everyone really got to know the people in their community, we could find great fulfillment and purpose in serving/helping and fellowship with each other. This would also provide great opportunity to share testimony and the gospel for those in our community who need to hear it.

Community Outreach On A Practical Level

So what’s a realistic/practical way to start connecting with people in your community? Just take it day-by-day. Be friendly if you see your neighbor outside and try to generate conversation. You can attend community events such as local carnivals, school functions (field trips, dances, sports events) and look to connect with people there. It’s always a good idea to get to know the parents of your children’s friends anyway. Volunteering is also great way to get to know people and fill a need somewhere (mentoring, local homeless shelter, red cross etc). Do you know a practical way of connecting with people in your community? If so, feel free to leave it in the comments below. Also, check out the 2 videos below and see how people are reaching out and being missionaries in there own communities.

Take Care and God Bless,

Dustin Thigpen