Beyond Commentary to Commitment

“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:37-40, ESV)

There has been a lot of political commentary in recent weeks. There has been a lot of social media and blog commentary. There has also been theological and Christian-based commentary.  All surrounding the protests to the Grand Jury decisions in Ferguson and New York. It’s interesting that what has been passed off as Christian commentary can seem more like extreme political commentary, influenced by the ideologies of the Right and the Left more than the Bible. We have also seen Christian commentary held captive by Christendom or, more specifically, a Eurocentric theology.

Be careful of the commentary that you allow to shape your views about the Poor, the Marginalized, the Outcast, and the Other. I have decided to buy into the commentary that Christ gave about the Poor, the Marginalized, and the Outcast. More than just talk about them, Christ showed a commitment to them. Christ built relationships and offered transformation to the Paralyzed, the Samaritan, the Adulterer, the Diseased, the Poor, and the Thief.

One of the political commentaries I’ve heard and has been directed to me is, “Why aren’t African-Americans as concerned about abortion or Black-on-Black crime as they are about some Police Officers racially profiling and killing African-Americans?” This statement alone shows a lack of understanding the multiple ways in which African-Americans and others have been and are presently addressing those issues. If you’ve heard of Mad Dads, Hospitality House Youth Directions, the Youth Intervention Network, World Impact, Homeboy Industries, the African-American Church, Soul Café, City Team, The Stair Step Initiative, Young Life, The Urban Youth Workers Institute, The National Black Evangelical Association, The Spencer Perkins Center, The National Center for Fathering, CCDA, and the Union Gospel Mission to name a few; you’d know that there are many Christian-based organizations who have been in predominately African-American and under-resourced communities for years addressing family stability, leadership development, community development, the tragedy of abortion, and youth gang violence. I have marched on multiple occasions with African-American and multi-ethnic Christian groups into gang-infested territories. I have been a part of rallies where gang members have accepted Christ. But cable news stations won‘t cover that—at least not the way they are covering protests right now. I’ve been a part of urban congregations that have worked to provide alternatives to abortion for young girls. I know of African-American and urban ministries that are rescuing girls out of sex trafficking. I know of ministries that are working with young men to equip them to be strong husbands and fathers. Those giving commentary otherwise are either not aware of this commitment, not making the commitment themselves, or both.

There are three reasons why there are major challenges in these communities, even with all of this effort. First, we need more collaborative efforts between these organizations and others. Second, these organizations need more financial and volunteer support. Third, the spiritual warfare that we are fighting is not against flesh and blood ultimately, but against invisible and wicked forces (Ephesians 6). The problem with that statement is that too many in the Body of Christ seem to not want to talk about the connections between invisible forces of wickedness and visible systems of oppression.

This is not so much a rebuke to the commentators out there, but a reality check. There are a lot of ministries that are committed to reducing abortion, black-on-black crime, and racial profiling. Find them and support them. There are ministries committed to rescuing children out of sex trafficking, stabilizing the family, and addressing domestic poverty. Find them and support them. I realize that there are leaders and even some ministries that are in under-resourced communities and not doing much in the area of community engagement and development. Well, find the ones that are making a difference and support them. But don’t just support them with your financial commitment alone.  Also support them with a commitment to serve on some level. Extreme political commentary is not going to address both individual and systemic sin. Extreme theological commentaries held captive by Christendom are not going to address the need for Kingdom compassion, mercy, justice, and transformation.

The ultimate point is the commentary of Christ came out of His commitment. Christ could give commentary on Sinners because of his commitment to them. Christ could provide commentary on the Poor, the Marginalized, the Outcast, the Incarcerated, and the Stranger because He was committed to them. He was committed to the point of His death on a Cross. Christians must ask themselves, “Is my commitment to those different than me greater than my commentary about them?” My commitment to the under-resourced, the Poor, and the Other must be much larger than my commentary. As this is the case more and more, I grow in my intimacy with Christ.