“When you happen on someone who’s in trouble or needs help… don’t look the other way pretending you don’t see him. Don’t keep a tight grip on your purse. No. Look at him, open your purse, lend whatever and as much as he needs. Don’t count the cost. Don’t listen to that selfish voice…”  — Deuteronomy 15:7-8 MSG

Generally, when I come across a portion of Scripture like this, I tend to feel a cold dose of shame. I wonder if I’ve really done all I can – I haven’t. We all are aware of the reality of our world – a broken world. Certainly, we have all felt the tinge of responsibility for our own moments of inaction. But this week, as I read this passage in the “Daily Message,” I saw it in a far different light. I saw the passage through the lens of the work our church has been championing in the surrounding neighborhoods and communities.

I can’t help but be encouraged by the people of Mariners MV and the intentional steps being taken to put an end to our feigned blindness at the plight of the poor. Despite all of what I know the Bible says about the incomprehensible joy in gratitude and generosity, I continue to be amazed by how much fun these past few weeks have been. While we haven’t put an end to the systems and powers that cause poverty, we’re making a difference. Every courageous act and every heroic change that ever came about in society always began with small steps of radical revolutionary hope and a vision for what ought to be. I’m honored to be a part of what God is doing in Mission Viejo and the surrounding communities through Mariners MV. For more information about the work being done among the poor or to find out how you can get more involved, visit www.howtobefearless.org.

See you Sunday as we continue in our series: HOW TO START A REVOLUTION.

Jeff