“Social responsibility” is a phrase that sounds pretty cumbersome, but it really shouldn’t be. If fulfilling our social responsibilities has us feeling like yet another stress has been added to our already full plates, I believe we’re misunderstanding what it means. Two verses of Scripture come to mind:
- And whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward. (Matt 10:42)
- For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. (Matt 26:11)
These sayings are humbling and empowering at the same time. The second one is humbling because it says we do not have the power to save the world; only God can do that. No matter how hard we work, how much good we do, we will always have the poor with us. But then comes the empowerment: the good we’re supposed to do is simple, very simple in fact. Unless we really feel it’s our call to do so, we don’t have to do anything huge, or give gigantic sums of money. Just cups of cold water! Maybe a bit of food, bus fare, or an encouraging word would help too. This, and only this, is our social responsibility. In those little moments that show up every day of our lives where we have the opportunity to extend some small gesture of kindness, we’re to go ahead and do it. God will take care of the rest.
“Good Inspiration” is a monthly article offering uplifting insights to the life of a Good Samaritan. It is written by The Rev. Andy Lobban for Good Samaritan Community Services.
