BreakPoint

BreakPoint: Responding to the Responses

I asked to hear back from you about a subject near and dear to my heart. And you didn’t let me down! I was warned years ago by a leading evangelical figure that I would be terribly lonely as a ministry leader. At first, I thought that was absurd. But now, even though I am surrounded by a great team and supportive board of directors, I know what he meant. Every time I go speak, whether it’s in a broadcast booth or in a pulpit, I feel a tremendous weight on me, and me alone. I’ve literally trembled, knowing that I’m trying to give a message but I can’t do it without God working through me. And I never know, at the end of a message, whether the audience is applauding because they’re polite, or because they simply enjoyed my performance—or have they been inspired to go out and do something as a result? That’s why recently I asked you to respond to me, letting me know whether my messages are getting through—making a difference. The 400-plus responses we received to that invitation have warmed my heart more than I can tell you. Let me read just a part of one response from a fellow named Todd. Here we go: “I started listening to Breakpoint...from the very beginning...Here are just a few of the things you’ve influenced me to do: develop and teach a semester long Worldview Sunday School class; read your commentaries often around the dinner table to my family...; change my perspective on criminal justice...; develop my reading list from books reviewed/recommended by you; use what I’ve learned from you often in discussions with Christians and non-Christians.” Then Todd continues: “I...believe you are 100% on target with your call for Christian cultural engagement (or the Church being the Church, as someone famous once said)...Unfortunately my pastor is one who sees the entire concept of a culture war as something objectionable. While I don’t understand the biblical basis, he believes we can engage personally if we desire, but not collectively; so speaking on political/cultural topics from the pulpit is off limits....We can work together to feed the poor and build houses, but not take a stand for life or marriage in our laws. Go figure. “Your ministry is essential to those of us who don’t get a holistic worldview perspective from our local church. Keep up the good work!” Well, Todd, thank you so much. And thanks for sharing how this ministry is inspiring you to action. And I hope you’ll go further and give our commentaries to your pastor. Pastors can be educated. Now, we can’t all be Todds. Lots of us have very busy lives, I understand. But Todd can teach us something.  We cannot just sit in church and simply have our ears tickled.  We cannot simply assimilate the message for our own personal gratification, or even just own spiritual fulfillment. We must live out what we learn, we must be willing and able to bring righteousness into public life—to do something good with our faith. So to all of you who responded at ColsonCenter.org, thank you! And next week, I’ll bring up another topic that I’ll want to hear back from you about as well. And be sure to visit ColsonCenter.org often, as we’ll be adding new features, including things like forums, where you’ll be able to network with and learn from other believers who are making a difference. Please God, use us to raise up a holy movement for justice and righteousness in our land.

FURTHER READING AND INFORMATION

Talk To Me! Chuck Colson | BreakPoint | June 15, 2010 Speak Out With Chuck What Do YOU Think? Can't Turn This Worldview Thing Off Chuck Colson | BreakPoint | May 18, 2010

07/1/10