Lightening the Load

When we face a common crisis, we can have a greater realization of the common call that we have to help one another. Later, I will share about one organization that delivers Christian content that has decided it wants to do more during this current crisis, based on the Scripture verse - Galatians 6:2, which says: "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Paul goes on to say:

3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

Humility is such a key in being an effective witness for Christ and an enthusiastic servant of His.  We are called to place the needs of others above our own, just as our Lord humbled Himself so that He could obtain salvation. He told His disciples that He did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.  He calls us to take up our cross daily, to humbly bow our hearts and lives before Him, and surrender to His leadership.

+++++

Early in His adult ministry, Jesus was asked a simple question in Luke 3, "What shall we do then?"
He answered by applying the answers to certain sectors of society:
11 He answered and said to them, "He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise."
12 Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?"
13 And he said to them, "Collect no more than what is appointed for you."
14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, "And what shall we do?" So he said to them, "Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages."

The Bible teaches us to be generous, and the presence of the Holy Spirit enables us to live that out.  Across the landscape of the body of Christ, we are seeing efforts to reach out to those who have been financially disadvantaged by the Coronavirus crisis.

One unlikely source is a publication that is known for its use of satire and humor that is getting involved in helping out its readers.  The Federalist reported on a new effort by none other than The Babylon Bee - the article states:

The Babylon Bee, a satirical news publication, announced a $100,000 relief fund designated to help supporters and subscribers struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. The relief fund, unlike their content, is not satirical.

“If you’re a Babylon Bee supporter or subscriber and you or a loved one is suffering financially right now, I want to offer some help. I have set aside $100,000 in a relief fund,” tweeted Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon.

Dillon is quoted as saying, "...people are really struggling right now, so I wanted to return the favor and give back to those who’ve helped us get to where we are,” adding, “Galatians 6:2 reminds us to carry each other’s burdens. That’s what this is really about.”

The Bee has been under scrutiny for the presumably "fact-checking" Snopes, as the article points out: "Snopes claimed their satirical articles, which obviously poke fun at political events, are fictionalized versions of the real story." Snopes had stated, “The Babylon Bee has tried to fool readers with its brand of satire in the past..."

This is a seminal moment for the body of Christ, not only to reach out to those who don't know Him with the proclamation of the gospel, but to take care of our own, and we have seen a variety of efforts. As National Religious Broadcasters CEO Troy Miller stated, "NRB and its members were made for this moment,” adding, “Broadcasters in radio and television, podcasters, filmmakers, churches, and Christian communicators are offering free services, getting out vital information on social distancing, feeding displaced students and families, and foremost communicating the hope of the Gospel."  

A recent article at the NRB website mentioned a number of specific ministries, including Samaritan's Purse and its hospital in New York City, the organization Somebody Cares International, which I have featured on The Meeting House, which was involved in provide N95 masks for a host of people on the front lines of fighting the virus, and an organization called Buckner International; Amy Curtis of that organization said:

“Everyone is so unsure about what it will look like in 30 days, 60 days, six months," she noted in a report. “It’s encouraging we have this video conferencing platform where we can continue to meet the needs of our clients.”

Meanwhile, NRB members such as Trinet Internet Solutions and Cooke Media Group have been offering free webinars to help churches and ministries to adapt in the new environment in which they have found themselves, presenting online strategies to reach congregations and strategies for effective digital fundraising. NRB affiliate Christian Media & Arts Australia, furthermore, hosted a webinar with tech tips for broadcasters trying to stay on-air while socially distant.

“This is not the time to hunker down and pull back,” commented Phil Cooke, Co-Founder & President of Cooke Media Group, in a recent blog post.

Faith Radio is a member of NRB, and we have been involved as a source of information and encouragement through our on-air presentations and our Coronavirus Response page, accessible through our website and app.

A very simple principle that we can apply is universal to the body of Christ: find a need and meet it; we can trust God for His provision, and His partners in joining together.  Throughout our communities, there are opportunities to help those who are struggling, including our fellow laborers in the Lord, such as churches, ministry organizations, and Christian businesses.  We can reach out to try to help encourage one another in the name of the Lord.

If we have been blessed during this time, we can be challenged to seek the face of the Lord about how He would intend to use what He has provided for His glory and perhaps be a blessing to other people.