So that is a strange name for a post but I assure you it has nothing to do with strange animal fetishes. I have been reading a new book by Vince Antonucci titled, Guerrilla Lovers. It’s been a refreshing read and a breeze to get through due to his sarcastic wit and loose humor. The subtitle of the book is, “changing the world revolutionary compassion.” Within the pages of this book are countless examples and ideas of how we can do small things to help people which in turn can make a huge impact in their lives.
One paragraph that I will quote here really made me think. Oftentimes we have the ability to help people with little to no cost to ourselves and other times there is a great cost involved and because of that we look the other way to the needs that exist. Needs that we could easily meet. People that could be helped. Help that would radically change lives. And yet, because there is a cost involved we choose to do nothing. Here’s what Vince says:
“Have you ever thought about how much money terrorists spend to change the world? Probably not, but it turns out terrorism isn’t cheap. Guns and bombs don’t come free. I’ve read that the 9/11 attacks cost about $500,000. Driven by hate, terrorists will live below their means so that they can invest their excess in hating the world.
Isn’t it crazy?
But what’s even more startling is that Christians, who are supposed to be driven by love, won’t spend their money to change the world. The statistics tell us that Christians, on average, give about 2 percent of their income to church. Thy don’t give and more that non-Christians to the poor or other charities. They tend to live (as do non-Christians) slightly above their means, counting on credit cards to cover the difference.
Now that’s really crazy.”
Crazy. Yes. Sad. Even more so.
I want this to change. I pray that this trend ends. As we strive to change the world by loving it I pray that we be the greatest givers so that others may have basic needs. Our love should cost us something…