Milton Friedman, the famous American Economist, once said, “It’s always so attractive to be able to do good at someone else’s expense.”

I think one of the most wonderful attributes of my church is that it is an organization of action. I believe that most people want to do good, discuss it, argue for it, and even pontificate about it. But when you get down to ‘brass tacks,’ they seldom do anything about it. Most decent people want to help the poor, disadvantaged, and downtrodden. However, upon examining their lives, it becomes clear that they spend very little time helping others. They seem to want someone else to spend the energy, time, and money while they are free with their opinions on what needs to be done.

Once, a man came to me and told me all the good things the church should be doing for the youth of the church. He had wonderful ideals, but I knew it required a tremendous amount of volunteer work on someone’s part to accomplish all that he suggested. A few days later, a volunteer position opened in the church to serve the youth. His name came to my mind because of his highly expressed enthusiasm for them. When I met with him and asked him to fulfill that position, he smiled and said, “You mean, put up or shut up!” We both laughed.

Yes, “put up or shut up” is a good way of gauging whether our hearts are true to our convictions, or if we just like talking about doing good, as long as others perform it. When we talk about doing good but expect others to do it through government organizations, charities, or churches, it rings hollow, and the Christlike attributes that come with sacrifice through service are lost. “Talk is cheap,” as they say.

So the next time we want to help our fellowman, let’s do it with action. Let us ‘thrust in the sickle’ with all our might, and we will see change not only in the lives of others, but the richness of service to others will bless our lives, chase out sadness and depression, and fuel the fire of love that we all so desperately need to find true joy in a troubled world.