Random Vs. Intentional

Back in the mid-90's, a phenomenon known as "Random Acts of Kindness" swiftly became a popular fad ... it was all the rage. As is the case with every "fad," it was one alphabetic character short of "fade..." as in, "fade away." The "Random Acts of Kindness" (RAK) foundation still exists with a slightly more refined focus in the realm of education, today, but it didn't fade from the public spotlight because it was a bad idea. It was not forgotten by the masses because it lacked morals or principles, and it didn't get replaced by less altruistic movements because people don't care.

To the contrary, it may have become less potent in society, simply because randomness is no longer what the vast majority of people "want" to be a part of. The idea that there are a great number of people in need in our culture continues to prevail, but today's culture is rapidly growing more concerned with making a real, sustainable difference within their own culture. Many people, who are defined as "millennialists" or "Generation Y" (born ca. 1978 to 2002) simply want their contribution to ring of authentic compassion; not accidental, temporary gain for a single, perhaps unnecessary recipient.

The truth is, the Church of Jesus Christ has a lot more to offer than random acts of kindness. It offers, first and foremost, the truth of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, which is the hope of eternity. What we are compelled to do, as believers, is the work of ministry that proclaims that Gospel truth most effectively. But, random acts of kindness often help the blessed, rather than the oppressed. It takes a more thoughtful, intentional act of kindness to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ and to couple it with truth that runs far deeper than simply "doing good." It often means taking kindness and truth to those who we would never encounter, unless we plan to do so.

Francis Chan puts it this way:

"I think sometimes we assume that if we are nice, people will know that we are Christians and want to know more about Jesus. But it really doesn't work that way. I know a lot of people who don't know Christ and are really nice people--nicer and more fun to be with, in fact, than a lot of Christians I know. There has to be more to our faith than friendliness, politeness, and even kindness."

I would have to agree with Pastor Francis Chan in his above statement, but of far greater value, still, is where he goes on to quote Jesus' words, directly from Luke 6:31-36 (The Message translation):

"Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that. I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind."

Some may think it idealistic or given to perfectionism, but truly selling out to Jesus is not just performing acts of kindness at random; rather, it is intentionally making in-roads with those who need the saving message of God's grace by offering them something that may cost us everything. I want to live effectively like that ... before my time is up here on this earth.

What are your thoughts? Is it possible? Should we try it, either way?