ZU Magazine is a publication of ZU Media. Below is an article from Issue 4, “Character.”
Staff Writer | Nicole Johnson
Many would admit that they’ve grown numb to the knowledge that there are awful things happening around the world every day. We scroll past these stories on our phones and we change the channel on TV.
Unfortunately, ignoring tragedy can become a habit, especially when people don’t know how to help. For Christ-followers, adhering to Matthew 25:40, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me,” becomes a command we must balance with our own time and resources.
Dr. Bala Musa, an expert in International and Intercultural Communication, said, “First we need to realize that the human family is one. If another person’s life, dignity and worth is diminished, then it is we as a human family who are being diminished.”
Musa emphasized the global environment in which we live today.
“Because we are living in a global environment,” Dr. Musa said, “we are seeing the ripple effects of people living in very horrific conditions where they can hardly live and survive; it translates itself into people migrating, people being displaced into refugee camps and many of them being recruited into terrorist activities.”
Even when these tragedies don’t occur nearby, below are some ways to have a global Christian character while living in a local environment.
1. Always be in prayer for those who are serving. If you’re not someone who has the personality to go overseas and help others, that is okay. Being in prayer for people who are overseas can be monumental. It’s also important to keep those who are serving locally in your prayers. Consider, for example, the families who are fostering children, or the friends who are volunteering at shelters.
Sophomore kinesiology major Madison Johnson has gone on several missions trips, many of which were to Indonesia. She said, “for a lot of my missions trips I have built prayer teams that have really influenced the trip because I always knew someone was praying for me.”
2. Donate time or money to a non-profit that shares the same belief as you. There are thousands of charities that support people in need, from refugees to those in famine. Find a non-profit that aligns with a cause that you believe in and donate your time or money. You can always help someone by coming up with creative ways to raise funds.
As college students, it’s not always easy to donate money; however, being able to donate your time is valuable. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) website and app is a resource for those looking for how to donate and volunteer.
3. Get informed. Avoid turning a blind eye to what is going on around the world. Many people who go overseas have a blog that you can follow so they can keep you updated. In addition to following personal blogs, turn on notifications for the news app on your phone. Doing this keeps people aware of global issues, and being aware is the first step to lending a hand.
4. Make it a conversation. We can spread the word about people who are going on missions trips, working for non-profits, or simply following their vocations by utilizing various social media platforms or even in everyday conversation. Being active on social media about issues you are passionate about is an easy way to reach a lot of people and magnify the voice of those you are advocating for. A few posts on Facebook or a short conversation can help build support for deserving causes.
Dr. Musa’s final piece of advice was to keep in mind what Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:40. The verse says, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”