And because its the right thing to do.

Why should we Be the Cause for people suffering in the world?

Because its the right thing to do.


There are some things that we need to do simply because it is the right thing. It may not be the smartest thing. It may not be the most comfortable thing. It certainly isn't the easiest thing. But it is the right thing.

Doing the right thing is our God-given mandate. It is one of the highest callings of humankind. It is what all of our movies are about. It is what the heroes do. It is the hope of every good man and woman. And it is one of the reasons why we should Be the Cause for people suffering from social injustices around the world.

What is the right thing to do? If someone is starving - give him something to eat. If someone is thirsty - give her clean water to drink. If someone is naked - give them clothes. If someone is being abused - rescue them. If someone is being mistreated - stand up for them. These things are right and good.

But we often turn a blind eye and a deaf ear because of excuses that we conjure up. We say think that just because these things are happening on the other side of the world that we don't need to do anything. We think that because we need our money here to pay for this luxury and that luxury that we don't have enough to help them. We think that they will always be like that so there is nothing that we can really do. We make up every excuse in the book for why those of us who can help should not help them.

But every excuse falls short of the truth: it is the right thing to do.

No matter how much it hurts, how hard it is, or how effective - we must be the cause for those living in extreme poverty around the world because it is the right thing to do.

Never let anyone tell you different. Deep in your heart of hearts you know it is true.

Why should we be the cause for those suffering around the world?

Because it is the right thing to do.

Be the Cause.... for who? for what?

Here are some important initial questions to ask when we consider how we fit into a Because world. As we consider our concept to "be the cause" for people - we need to ask some good questions.

First, be the cause... for who?

Is anyone being ignored? Cast aside? Marginalized?

Is anyone being unfairly treated or oppressed?

Is there anyone who does not have a voice? Needs help standing up? Who doesn't have anyone else at all?


Second, be the cause... for what?

What are the most pressing issues that face people today?

What are the issues that affect the most people?

What are the issues that are the most serious - the literal life or death issues?

What are the issues that can change? The issues that are ready for change? The issues that absolutely need to change?


Ask yourself these questions. Let's start here.

Because They Need It

Why should we help people? Because they need it.

This is probably the most underrated reason, but it is the most important. We should be the cause for people – we should help people simply because they need help. That is human dignity. That is Christian service. That is world community. It is the right and decent thing to do. It is the first thing we should do. It is the last thing we should give up doing. We need to help people simply because they need it.

In this specific case, people living in extreme poverty around the world really need help. It is not like they are living in middle class wealth and could use some more health insurance or a car for their teenager. No. They intensely need help. They are dying. They are dying everyday. They are living in hunger, disease, and fear. They have no future, no opportunities, and no chances. They need help.

Their situation is dire. The need is great. The hour is now.

Why should we help them? Why should we partake in solidarity with them by being the cause? Because they need it.

Why? Because We Can.

Why? Why should we ‘be the cause’? Why should we help people? Because we can.

Spiderman’s Uncle told him once “With great power comes great responsibility”. Those of us living in developed countries have been blessed with wealth – money, food, power, and resources. God has allowed us the opportunity to succeed and flourish, and many of us have done so. But this great wealth comes with a great responsibility.

I always here people ask, “Why should we help them – those suffering from AIDS, malaria, unclean water, civil wars, etc. Why should we help them?” We should help them simply for this fact alone: because we can. Don’t you think that Kenya would love to help their African neighbor Rwanda? Don’t you think that Guatemala would love to help out Nicaragua? If these other countries had the ability, I believe they would help out in an instant. They know the need because they have experienced it firsthand. The only reason they cannot give more is because they do not have more. But we do. We can.

We have been given such resources here in developed countries and with it comes the responsibility to help those less fortunate than ourselves. If we do not help, who will? Who will feed the hungry if not the people with the food? Who will buy the medicines if not the people with the money? Who will rebuild if not the builders with the resources?

It is our responsibility to act – because we have the power to act. We have the resources to act. We have the responsibility to act. Simply because we can act.

So why should we help them? Because we can.