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When prayer is not enough

Sylvie Giroux

“Whatever we do and whoever we are, we all have one thing in common: We are born alone and we die alone.” The first time I heard this statement, I was greatly insulted. It was difficult to imagine that the great events of our life, beginning, end and all those in between, would not be marked by the support of friends and family, earthly and spiritual. Then, confronted by a situation that required my involvement, I had to re-evaluate my own actions.

After church one Sunday morning, I was on my way to lunch when I paused to talk with a long-time friend. Knowing that she was facing a difficult situation, I asked her how things were going. Recognizing that just listening was not enough, I also offered to help. In spite of my offer, I was not prepared when she responded with a specific request requiring my input. How often do we offer our help out of politeness, without expecting it will cost us anything? Do our offers of help have all the insincerity of the Spice Girls song, “Tell me what you want, what you really really want”? Was I at this point so far from Christian character that it was impossible for me to help out with a concrete act? I began to ponder that maybe this was not just an isolated incident but that it reflected a whole way of life. From there, I began to reflect on the whole subject of Christian community.

“You are the light of the world. . . . Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14,16). Our desire for community should come as a result of our relationship with God, and the concrete acts of service that result should glorify God.

It is becoming more and more common to see concrete evidence of Christian community in our churches – from food banks to blood donor clinics. It is good to see that our spiritual commitment has significant social consequences. However, it is important to understand, and to help others understand, that our social involvement is a reflection of our decision to follow Christ and our desire to make Him known, not for the purpose of charity alone.

It is comforting to think that we are not born alone, because we are born in the presence and by the will of God. It is then our decision to die either alone or with God. It is also our responsibility to live in the meantime with discernment and a sincere desire to be like Jesus.

It is now 4:30 on Sunday afternoon, and I am listening to a Bach cantata which speaks precisely of the practical evidence of our decision to follow Christ. I must stop now. I have to call a friend. . . .

Sylvie Giroux is a member of the Mennonite Brethren church in St-Eustache, Que. This article is adapted, with permission, from the February 1998 issue of Le Lien.

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Last modified May 4, 2000.

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