A common question for beauty pageant contestants is something along the lines of, "What does our society need most?" The typical answer is "world peace," "the end of world hunger," or some other outrageously impossible dream. But is it really impossible? Considering the level of technological advance, those problems should already be resolved, shouldn’t they? Yet most people still struggle to have the basic necessities of life. Many live with uncertainty, limited freedom, suffering, persecution, and strife.

JESUS HAS THE ANSWER

The solution to this issue has been available since Jesus walked the earth.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me... Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
— Matthew 25:35-36,40

THE ANSWER IS US

Yes, the solution to world hunger, poverty, and injustice is in our hands. Of course, we cannot solve the world’s problems alone, but imagine if the Church of Jesus Christ took these things seriously. What if you and others in your community…

Skipped one meal a week and shared the cost of food with those in need?
Bought a few extra non-perishable food items for the hungry?
Visited and prayed with people in hospitals?
Gave away a significant percentage of clothes? However many you have, it is probably more than you need.
Took the time to get acquainted with one refugee family?
Prayed for the persecuted Church? Prayer is not “all we can do” for them; it is the best thing we can do.

Author and leader Bill Hybels states, “the local church is the hope of the world.” We hold the power to transform lives and change the world we live in, it is time we just do it.