by Bro Manny Maranga
“What is in it for me? What can the organization do to help me? Why should I be in the group? For 18 years, I was an officer of the professional organization of Electronics and Communication Engineers. I became the chairman of the membership committee. As such, I got to tackle some of these questions from members. These could sometimes get me mum. I could not explain to somebody who does not know why he is living in a community, living with other people.
Living is simply about being in a group and doing service. We are all made for service. So what are we encouraged to do? What does God commands us to do? The answer can be found in James 2 14-17 as it says
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
The members of our Social Action Group may have read this bible passage and put feet in their faith. It is noteworthy that some members could do social outreach activities like the educational mission in Cambinocot on a working day. The members of this service group left their businesses and professions to give way to reaching out to the poor. They were made aware by our Chapter head Bro Tommy that service in social action is about touching lives. It is definitely not to impress nor please other people but God only.
Yet, what happens when people help the poor? I made a research on this and got 3 answers from the bible.
1. He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward him for what he has done. (Proverbs 19:17)
2. A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. (Proverbs 22:9)
3. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Cor 9:11)
We are all made for service to God and our neighbors.
Tags: answers, bible, dead, food, lord, manny maranga, poor, thanksgiving, touching lives
