Apathy's Antidote

What sin comes to mind when you think of the ancient city of Sodom?

Chances are, your first response is the sin of "sodomy", usually associated with homosexuality.

However, the root sin of Sodom, according to the Old Testament prophet, Ezekiel, was apathy--or a lack of concern for the poor.

"Sodom's sins were pride, gluttony and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door. She was proud and committed detestable sins, so I wiped her out, as you have seen." Ezekiel 16:49,50 (New Living Translation)

Our preacher, Dr. Jason Locke, shared this passage with us yesterday, as he talked to us about our attitudes toward gay and lesbian people. How would God have us treat those who are in same-sex relationships?

While the good Dr. Locke did not give us a definitive answer for our church family, he did encourage us to remain open to showing love and friendship to those in homosexual relationships, or those who are struggling with their sexual identity.

And he certainly advised us to avoid the sin of apathy, of having all that we need to live comfortably, yet ignoring the needy and helpless around us.

We have a wonderful opportunity, in less than two weeks, to take a huge antidote to apathy in Fresno. The Ocheltree Shepherding Group is hosting a 24-hour Urban Plunge at The Fresno Rescue Mission on Friday, Oct. 10 through Saturday, Oct. 11. We will stay overnight in a dormitory especially for guests and we will learn what goes on in downtown Fresno, where all the drug addicts and drunks and prostitutes and homeless hang out. Cost is $15 per person. That includes 4 meals. All ages are welcome, as well as neighbors, friends and co-workers. There are 90 beds available for us.

Please text or email Carolyn Ocheltree before Monday, Oct. 6, if you would like to join the Urban Plunge. Cell phone: 559-250-6465. Email: carolynocheltree@gmail.com

We will be changed after this weekend. That's a guarantee. It's a wonderful way to take an antidote for apathy in our city!

--Posted by Mama O.