The coronavirus episode has, in a very, very short period of time, injected into our world culture an unbelievable occurrence of angst, sorrow, frustration, fear, death, skulduggery, and economic chaos. We are not just experiencing perceived need – this is the real thing. I know of very few folks who have escaped the debilitating impact in one form or another.
Historians, epidemiologists, economists, and psychologists will be examining and arguing about the worldwide effects of the episode far into the future. But for the present, who will be the resolute problem solvers, the clear thinkers, the passion-driven healers who will step forward and help restructure the mess into acceptable and positive reality? Who will help restore goodness and order?
One thing I think we can count on is that acts of goodness and healing can’t wait to be done by perfect people. We are acutely aware that Americans are not perfect people. But on many occasions throughout our short history we have been called on to perform perfect missions of restoration and healing. Those folks within the scope of my community who give me the most heartburn, are those who are all caught up in visions of political correctness, and group acceptance, who, in order not to say anything wrong, never speak up at all – and in order not to do anything wrong, end up doing nothing at all!
The way that I read history is that if God should decide to only use perfect people to accomplish His enterprises, nothing in the world would ever get done. But right now, is the time and proper occasion when the resolute problem solvers, the clear thinkers, and passion-driven healers need to become involved in restoring goodness and order.
It’s probably true that your one act of goodness won’t change the world, but it is very possible that your one act of goodness could change that one person’s world. It’s certainly worth a try!
There’s a story that someone shared with me somewhere around the world in my nearly forty years of international travel: There was a fellow who was sitting idly by, watching the beggars, the beaten and the crippled passing along in front of him. All the while he was whining at God, “So, you are the great God, how is it that a loving Creator can see all these things and yet do nothing about them?”
Out of the long silence, God spoke, "I did do something . . . I MADE YOU."
Who knows? – Just maybe, your sincere and consistent acts of goodness, at a time like this, might well be what sets the world in the right direction. I do believe that those consistent acts of goodness multiplied by millions of people can transform the world. Don’t underestimate the powerful truth that goodness is contagious, goodness is compelling, and goodness is forever!
While I was writing this article, I received a wonderful email letter from the students at Colorado Christian University. It was announcing, “CCUPrays” in order to foster a fresh sense of spiritual awakening, repentance, encouragement, and connectivity.
This event will be a 72-hour, round the clock prayer meeting, beginning 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2020, and concluding at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2020.
The students and CCU community members are encouraged to pick a 30-minute segment, during that time frame, to pray for pandemic-related issues, spiritual health, our neighbors, leaders, healthcare providers, closed churches, etc.
When I read CCU’s student letter something stirred inside of me and I caught myself saying, “Yes”. Now is the time to practice goodness. The passionate heart that prays for the easing of the suffering of another miraculously find an easing of his or her own suffering. That obedient passion has a way of growing the spirit and strengthening the soul.
So, here is your assignment: Between now and this weekend, ask God to impress on your mind and heart, three persons who need you to contact them by texting, email message, or a phone call. Simply give them words of encouragement, goodness, and healing. If you want more goodness in this world – put it there!
I have discovered that every act of goodness sets into motion a ripple affect which has no foreseeable end. No simple act of goodness is ever wasted, and you can be the reason that someone else believes in goodness!
Then, out of a long silence, God spoke, “I did do something . . . I MADE YOU.”