The two biggest pressures Americans face

In a recent post we looked at a broad cross-section of pressures Americans face. Among the significant pressures indicated in a survey conducted by LifeWay Research and Bible Studies for Life were confronting temptation, experiencing bias or prejudice, relating to family and friends, and facing criticism.

The only responses to garner more than one-third of Americans in agreement (both at 36%) were “lacking money for basic needs” and “dealing with conflict.”

As Christians, we should strive to build relationships with those inside and outside the community of faith. What then are the most effective ways to address these two issues?

Caring for those in need

The Apostle James made it clear, our response to those in need directly reflects our claims to faith and salvation: “If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well.’ But you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it?” (James 2:15-16, HCSB).

Whether these brothers and sisters are inside or outside our small groups hardly seems relevant. It’s an opportunity. People in need are people in need no matter where they are. Jesus never made such divisions, why should we? Christians in the first century made a distinctive reputation for themselves by caring for the poor and plague ridden while the Romans were scurrying out of town. Christians today should be the first ones to aid those who lack basic needs. Not only is this the command of Scripture, it is our spiritual heritage.

Caring for those in conflict

As we have seen through the LifeWay Research survey, people in America today are dealing with conflict. This conflict brings pressure that is often ongoing.

Scripture tells us in Galatians 6:2 to “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ”. Burden bearing is conducive to our own spiritual growth as we are reminded of our own burdens. We imitate Christ when we care for others in the middle of our own needs.

Those who have worked to develop the Bible Studies for Life curriculum, myself included, made a commitment to build the program in such a way that it strengthens individuals and families — even those dealing with needs or conflicts who need their faith family to help carry their burdens. But, it is impossible to carry the burdens of people we don’t know. We can’t help bear the burden for at least one-third of Americans who are dealing with conflict of some kind because we are unaware of the conflict and don’t know them. This means living in a small group community where burdens are shared and carried is important.

No less theologians than Paul McCartney and John Lennon struck this chord decades ago when they noted in Eleanor Rigby, “Look at all the lonely people. Where do they all come from? Look at all the lonely people. Where do they all belong?”

The answer, of course, is that they belong in a faith community with others who are pursuing God, and doing so in the midst of pressures of every kind.

Yours for the Great Commission,

Ronnie W. Floyd