I've been listening lately, over and over, to the sermon by Ravi Zacharias entitled "The Lostness of Man." It is aired in two parts and can be found at a link I'll post at the bottom of this post.* The reason I've listened over and over is that I've been compelled by Dr. Zacharias' message to think seriously about how I view myself and my relation to the world. In Dr. Zacharias' presentation, a couple of statements made by philosopher G.K. Chesterton are highlighted. One of them hits me in the forehead every time I hear it:
(Some of the world's prominent thinkers were sent inquiries for the purpose of an article to appear in the NY Times called "What's Wrong With the World." Chesterton's letter to the editor was so short, I'm sure the editor had to read it and re-read it to know it was for real:)
Dear Sir,
I am.
Yours,
G.K. Chesterton**
I have come to the conclusion that if we are honest with ourselves, we will agree with Chesterton. The following statement was made by Ghandi, and though he was a pagan, his statement bears consideration: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." In an age where many Christians look to the modern church or to the government to solve the moral issues in our country, we as Believers should do as Paul commends: "Wake oh Sleeper" (Eph. 5:14) and realize that we in fact are responsible for the world in which we live. I write this not as an accusation but as a challenge: What are we doing in our daily lives to bring unbelievers into the community of the church? What are we doing to hold the church together and uphold our fellow believers as we walk out the Grace we freely received? Rather than continue on in an attempt to bring some new query or thought to light, I'll stop as I am inadequate to the job. Instead, I implore you to give ear to Dr. Zacharias in his message "The Lostness of Man."
* http://www.rzim.org/USA/Resources/Listen/LetMyPeopleThink.aspx?archive=1
** http://www.chesterton.org/qmeister2/wrongtoday.htm
