Monday, Feb. 9, 1998
People who practice what they preach deserve applause
It's one thing to say you'll do something. It's another thing to actually follow through with it.
Stephen Lutz (sgl112@psu.edu) is a junior majoring in American studies and a Collegian columnist.
Christianity in its true form radically changes a person on the
inside and out. This results in a very different outlook on life.
The changed person has different beliefs. But what does that look
like?
One of the results is that people are not seen as objects or commodities,
but as infinite beings of great value. They are worth something
-- more than we could ever imagine.
But the changes should not end there. As it states in 1 John
4:19, "We love because he first loved us." This
love must be put into action. What good is belief if its not acted
on? Christians who have been loved by God show their gratitude
in their love for others. If they do anything without love it
is utterly worthless.
I have highlighted people or groups that not only talk the talk,
but walk the walk as well. Christ stated that the second greatest
commandment is this: "Love your neighbor as yourself,"
(Mark 12:30-31). But who is my neighbor, you ask?
Currently, Compassion provides for more than 200,000 children,
many of whom would not have access to these necessities were it
not for this organization.
For only $24 a month, anyone, through Compassion, can help a child
in ways that you can't put a price on. For more information, call
(800) 336-7676 or go to http://www.ci.org.
More locally, the Centre Region Crisis Pregnancy Center, 114 S.
Fraser St., provides totally free and confidential services to
women who are pregnant and unsure of what to do. Last year, the
CRCPC helped more than 360 women who were facing a crisis.
Various services, which are totally free to all clients, include
pregnancy tests, clothing and equipment, housing, financial assistance
and education. In 1997, it also helped bring 29 babies into the
world. Said one client, "If the CRCPC had not been there
for me, I probably would not have chosen life for my baby."
There are alternatives to abortion, and the CRCPC exists to provide
those alternatives to as many women as possible. The pro-life
movement has put its money where its mouth is in State College.
The origins of Habitat for Humanity International also are rooted
in the decision to practice what you preach. Millard Fuller and
Linda Fuller were millionaires who decided to give away their
fortune. They founded Habitat because they believed it was important
to give decent housing to as many people as possible.
Habitat now organizes hundreds of thousands of volunteers to build
houses all over the world, including here in State College and
Centre County. To volunteer or get more information call 238-3113.
All these organizations see helping someone in need as part of
the Christian life. The impact these groups have on their neighbors
spring from a desire to share God's love with others in a practical
way.
Mr. Fuller once explained that "We don't try to evangelize.
You don't have to be a Christian to live in one of our houses,
or to help us build one. But the reason I do what I do, and so
many of our volunteers do what they do, is that we're being obedient
to Jesus."
"Preach the gospel at all times . . . if necessary, use words,"
said St. Francis of Assisi.
Sometimes the best ambassadors don't have to utter a word.
