A Christian Perspective of Kony 2012

If you been on the Internet over the last couple of days you may have noticed a new slogan of “Kony 2012″. This is basically an awareness movement, led by a non-profit group Invisible Children, to bring to light the horrible acts of Joseph Kony and the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) in Uganda. The movement calls for the United States government to keep US advisers in Uganda and increase the efforts to stop and arrest Joseph Kony.  They have a 30 minute video that explains what the movement is all about.

There are mixed reviews on the effectiveness of Invisible Children and the viral stop Kony 2012 video. Personally do not have the knowledge or experience to condemn or endorse the effectiveness of such awareness tactics. Upon reading through the FAQ on the Invisible Children website I noticed they are not associated with any religious group. After looking at their financials, Invisible Children spends a large percentage of awareness and only 37% on ground relief efforts. With that being said, it’s hard not like this movement and here’s why…

These guys are doing something.  They are trying to make a difference.  They see a wrong in the world and doing what they think is right to correct it.  They are pouring their time, energy, and committing part of their lives to help children on the other side of the globe.  As a follower of Christ, I want to be part of an effort the cares for the less fortunate and helps protect those who cannot protect themselves.  As Christians, we should be actively involved in helping the less fortunate.  James 1:27 challenges us that we should care for the widows and orphans.  So rather than criticize, I want to help.

But what level of help?  I want my time, money and energy to be used to help make Christ and His name know.  I believe this would be best utilized by supporting on the ground missionaries in the areas affected by Joseph Kony.  I believe there’s more to just stopping Kony, it’s about bringing in Christ.  But I believe we as Christians can do this through the Kony 2012 movement.  By utilizing this awareness initiative, we can help make our brothers and sisters in Christ aware of Christian missionaries who desperately need our support. We can rally with Invisible Children supporters and share our reason for participating, Christ.  There is great opportunity to show that followers of Christ are concerned with the hurting and healing all across the globe.  As this is an opportunity the Christian’s shouldn’t miss (Colossians 4:5).

Please feel free to comment on your thoughts about the Kony 2012 movement.  What do you think should be the Christian’s reaction?

The Lost Sheep

Risk is a part of life.  Everywhere we go and everything we do involves risk.  Driving, flying and eating and drinking involves risk of the unknown.  Take for example the food that we eat.  Even with the cleanest kitchen, there’s a risk of food being contaminated and we could become sick from eating that food.  Risk is everywhere.

One of the key things that stands out to me in the parable of the lost sheep is the risk the shepherd takes while searching for the one lost sheep.  He leaves the 99 behind in search of one.  Our current business culture says that is not a profitable risk.  Chasing after one sheep while leaving the 99 in the open field could be financial disaster.  What if a wolf or some other predator came attacked the 99 while the shepherd was out searching for the one lost sheep?  “The risk is too great!” some would say.  With all the risk involved in searching for the one missing sheep, most would say leaving the 99 behind would not be a wise risk.

Not only that, what is gained from searching for the one lost sheep?  The best case scenario is that he brings back the single lost sheep.  There is no return on the shepherd’s investment.  He just starts off with the same number of sheep that he started with.  The investment world would see this as a poor investment. 

Aren’t you glad that our Father in heaven in not concerned about numbers, risk and investments as the business world around us is?  He’s concerned about the one sheep that returns.  Heaven rejoices when one is lost then becomes found.  Jesus says it plainly, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”  (Luke 15:7).  For Jesus, it’s not about the investment but about people.  People are the investment.  The risk of leaving the 99 behind was not too great a risk for the one. 

You are the one lost sheep that Jesus was willing to risk it all for.  Not only that, we are called to care for the one lost among us, just as God cared for us.  Who can you risk it all to bring back to God?  Who can you reach out to?  Who has God put on your heart to share the glory of God revealed through Christ on the cross?

My Kids: Let Mercy Lead

There are some artists and some songs that are timeless.  Their message is pure and it’s central to the heart of God.  One song that I was listening to last night that fits into this category is a song by Rich Mullins called Let Mercy Lead. 

As a parent we want to teach, train and equip our children for life.  We want to give them every mean necessary for success.  We want to look back and know they we gave our children our all and we didnt’ hold back.  I realized something last night, no matter how much of myself I give my children, it will never be enough.  Why?  Because I’m flawed.  I have my own issues and my own problems and if I gave them 100% I would just be passing down the good and the bad, and I don’t want this for my children.  I want to give them more than that. 

And that’s where Rich Mullin”s song comes in. 

Me and your mom
And all the love we have
We can only take you so far
As far as we can
But you’ll need something more to guide your heart
As you grow into a man

My kids need more than my love to help them grow into the adults God wants them to be.  They need Mercy.  And Jesus Christ is Mercy.  And I need to give them the one thing that can fill all their needs, give them peace that surpasses all understanding, and allow my children to use their gifts to the fullest.  That one thing is Christ!

Let mercy lead
Let love be the strength in your legs
And in every footprint that you leave
There’ll be a drop of grace

I want Christ to be the strength in their legs, and grace to ooze out of every action, every thought, and every word.  I want to let Mercy lead in my life that it may be one thing I pass to my children.