Just going about…
Toyohiko Kagawa was born in Kobe, Japan in 1888. Studying theology in Japan and Princeton he was convinced that Christianity needed to be lived out in action.
Returning to Kobe he lived with the poor, advocating for the prostitute, murderer, abused and victimised. His outspoken pacifist views and calls for social reform caused him to be imprisoned.
Kagawa said: ‘I read in a book that a man called Christ went about doing good. It is very disconcerting to me that I am so easily satisfied with just going about.’
Doing nothing
Just down the road from us, in the village of Wrentham, there was a fatal crash last Friday involving a pedestrian and a lorry.
Our local Eastern Daily Press quotes Amanda Gibson, a local shopkeeper: ‘Not enough is being done to slow the traffic down. We said only a few weeks ago at a parish council meeting that they will do nothing until somebody is killed.’
Tragically, nothing has been done…
Doing something
Spanish football president Luis Rubiales kissing Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso on the lips, after the Women’s World Cup final, has been seen by millions. It’s not just about a kiss now. Women around the world are talking about sexual harassment and abuse, feeling unsafe, shamed, humiliated, ignored or not believed.
Some have defended Rubiales; some have said that the matter has needlessly got out of hand. Hermoso and women around the world are saying that gender inequality is alive and kicking… Something must be done
Doing good
Kagawa quoted ‘Jesus went about doing good…’ The context? – Peter’s telling the story of ‘doing good’ Jesus to the Roman centurion Cornelius. Peter’s seeking to ‘do good’ like Jesus…
Yesterday I was at Men’s Shed… one gent’s son has just died of cancer… another is facing imminent major surgery… another is working hard to avoid a recurring mental health issue… I’m musing, praying, on how I, like Jesus, Peter and Kagawa, can do good with them.
malcolmsmusings.org 
Malcolm, your musings give me pause. I enjoy the applications, parallels, truth,…history, happenings, heartaches, and happiness. I want to do something. Like you, in the name of Jesus, nothing else. I don’t want to “go about”. God bless you! You’re a wonderful communicator, writer, and faithful follower of Christ!
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Thanks, Karla, for the encouragement. I love the Acts 10 story of Peter and Cornelius. As with Peter, my view of spirituality, gifts and ministry have certainly had to change. I sense that Peter’s boldness didn’t decrease, but his humility increased… and going about doing good as his God was with him isn’t a bad place to start.
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That hits home! “Peter’s boldness didn’t decrease, but his humility increased…” yes! I’ve felt that over the years, too. A great place to start! Amen! It’s my blessing to encourage just as you encourage me! Thank you!
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It reminds me of my son in law. He is always saying to his kids as they leave for school or as they ask “what is there to do”? He always says “Do something good!”
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Pretty good advice, I reckon, Gary – for us all!
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So true. It should be a plaque on my wall to see as I head out the door each day. It should say “Do Something Good Today”
It’s sad that I need reminders like that.
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‘facta non verba’
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Absolutely Graham! – and a bit of Latin culture too!!
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