Getting to the Heart of the Matter
Slum children, pictured here in Rajahmundry, India, are happily served a full meal through regular projects supported by Mission to Children.Social services may stop the leak, but they can’t alone fix the boat.
Question: How many spoonfuls of medicine does it take to get rid of a cough?
Answer: Possibly an infinite amount IF you only treat the symptom and not root problem.
It matters what the real question is, doesn’t it?
When we look at social deficiencies such as poverty, violence, racism, or abuse, most charities do a great job of treating the problem with a service. Those services are vital because real needs are met. We’ve all been glad for those people who feel our pain. But we need to go deeper than treatments.
May I suggest that a great way to address even social problems is through character development, which addresses the root of the problem?
Positive character development helps us become the kind of people that resist hurting others for our own perceived benefit. Being a person of good character will certainly mean that the cost (or effort) of doing the right thing is on you and I; not the next person. It may be kindness: skipping a few coffee breaks to provide meals for slum children in India. It may be courage: defending a kid at school or an employee who is getting picked on for how they look or some other sort of junior high awkwardness.
Can’t we assume that corruption such as bribery costs people money, minimizing giving to the poor, and further oppressing the poor—especially children, who can’t afford the services they need?
Do you see social justice squeezed by corruption in your community? Tell us more.
If you like what we’re getting at, get involved by: Learning about our cultivating character program, request our newsletter, or donating to help deal with the root of the problem.
