In my message on poverty this weekend (Justice, Pt. 4 - The Pursuit of Happiness) I closed with the story of Tony Campolo who, while speaking to an audience of ministers some years ago on the subject of the poor and needy, grew impatient with the ministers' obvious indifference. They were unmoved, completely turning a deaf ear to his cries for compassion. In closing he said, "Today, thirty thousand children starved to death and none of you give a damn." They were shocked and appalled that he would say such a thing. "What's worse," He continued, "is you're more concerned that I used the word 'damn' than you are the thirty thousand children that starved to death today!"
You've got to admit it's a very 'in your face' observation. I actually wrestled with whether or not to share it. I knew some would probably be offended by it, even though I was simply quoting what Campolo said. (Ironically, I used the word damn instead of the word he actually used because I knew the real word he used would have upset people even more.) I think the fact that I had such a hard time deciding whether or not to use the story makes it even more relevant. If I'm going to be honest I don't grapple internally like that about the plight of the suffering. Why? Why am I more concerned about offending people in a service than I am offending the Lord of the thousands of people starving around the world today? Something has to change in us. We must get close enough to God to feel His compassion for the suffering masses around us. Then and only then will we engage in the type of justice that makes a difference. Then and only then will we lift our voice to call others into action as well, using as strong a language as it requires!
