Most of us have heard the saying, "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." It is attributed to Edmund Burke, a British Statesman in the 1700's, although the quote is not found in any of his writings. Burke warned England about engaging in a battle with the American colonies and took a very unpopular stand in desiring to grant the colonies freedom. He also spoke out against the French Revolution and the excesses taking place in that country. Even if he did not directly make the quote, he certainly gave a framework for its understanding.
This past week, college football was rocked by the news that a prominent assistant coach at Penn State had sexually assaulted several underage boys. As more details have been released, it appears that those in leadership at Penn State knew of this activity and did the bare minimum about it. No one stepped up to stop this man or hold him accountable as he still had access to the Penn State facilities through the week before the accusations became public. All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. I listened to an interview done with a former professional football player named Heath Evans http://heathevans.org/Home.aspx. He has started a foundation to minister and care for victims of such heinous crimes. I was almost brought to tears as I listened to him plead at the end of his interview for anyone who had been abused to call and his foundation would pay for counseling and help. His stand was that Penn State should show support for the victims by cancelling the rest of the season, all football players should be released from their commitment and allowed to play at other schools with no penalty and that the NCAA should give the "death penalty" to the Penn State football program for a lack on institutional control. Many who follow college athletics would say that is too harsh of a penalty. However, we live in a culture which allows predators multiple chances and opportunities. We allow the enablers of predators to pay no price. We no longer have an attitude of caring for those in need. We don't want to get involved. We don't want to make waves or cause a problem. We are afraid to step in and stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
As followers of Christ, involvement is not an option. Jesus told the parable of a man who was beaten and left for dead. Two religious leaders pass by this beaten man and do nothing. They easily justify their actions by their busyness and religiosity. However, one man stops and renders aid, going beyond what is expected to care for this man. He ends the parable by asking this question: "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" Then Jesus tells His hearers to go and do likewise.
This parable screams to us today. The Church cannot just pass by on the other side and justify neglect by saying we are busy or our faith forbids us. We are called to get involved with those who cannot stand for themselves. This Sunday evening gives you the opportunity to do this at our Higher Grounds Coffee House as we hear about slavery in California today. http://californiaagainstslavery.org/ It is an opportunity for you to get involved in standing for those who have no power to stand for themselves. But throughout this week, we will have opportunities to speak for those who need help, to assist someone who has nothing and to be a good neighbor. Will we justify our inactivity and allow evil to triumph because we have done nothing? Or will we get our hands dirty and get involved in the mess of life by caring for the least of these? Will you be a good neighbor?
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