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Is our social net in danger?

Mario Marchand

The testimony of my friends Jean and Soula Isch struck me forcefully. Struggling with a deadly illness, they experienced love, support and comfort from those around them in the Christian community. This network of friends was vital. Bible reading, prayer or simply the presence of a brother or sister made all the difference.

Do we have such a network? Can we say we have brothers and sisters we can really count on? Some people could say yes, but not the majority of people in our church communities, for many people are alone in the church today. Why?

Sources of isolation

The current culture. We live in the era of “having”. We expend a great deal of energy obtaining “things”. Stores, the media and those around us constantly suggest that all sorts of things are essential to our happiness – and we buy them to satisfy our supposed needs. As well, there is a thirst for status and position. For some, a good appearance has become a way of life which leaves little time for the needs of others.

Personal difficulties. Daily life is filled with many activities – family, church, etc. These things are all good, even necessary, but they take up a lot of time. Some people are facing difficult socio-economic situations. Many grapple with physical and emotional problems. One cannot give what one does not have. Those grappling with their own difficulties have very little time to help others.

Intolerance. Another problem is intolerance toward people who are not like us or who do not think the way we do. Examine these attitudes:

“If he is in trouble, it’s because he ran there.” “Is she still complaining?” “That couple aren’t really Christian because they don’t come to Bible study.” “If he was really committed to the Lord, he wouldn’t be depressed.”

Because we reject those who don’t act or think the way we do, they feel judged and alone.

Restoring the social net

How can we develop more compassion for those around us?

A simple life. Richard Foster says that simplicity is liberty. The Lord calls us to a simple life. The Bible strongly denounces materialism, greed and attachment to earthly treasures. The point is not to condemn such-and-such a lifestyle but to place the accent on “seeking first the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).

Spiritual health. A simple outer life does not guarantee a strong inner life. Our goal should be to increase our personal and collective spiritual health, so that we are “rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith” (Colossians 2:7). Neil Anderson says that a good theology is indispensable for a good psychology. When difficulties come, a person with a solid foundation can lean on the promises of God.

At the collective level, if it is able, the church must establish care groups and support groups. The church must reject individualism, spiritual “performances” and elitism. Above all, the accent must be on the well-being of the community. “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10). “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).

Accepting others. Chuck Swindoll says that acceptance means that we have value as we are. It allows us to be ourselves. It allows us to speak our ideas without being shot down. It means that we feel safe. This does not mean that we will never be corrected, only that no one will destroy us by prejudice.

May the Lord help us to see how important our social net is so that we may resist the forces that threaten it today.

Mario Marchand is a member of the Mennonite church in Joliette, Que. This article is adapted, with permission, from the November 1998 issue of Le Lien.

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Last modified May 4, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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