Torch, Summer 1992

physical disability as significant and extremely debilitating , forgetting that the most severe disability of all is spiritual disability . In God's eyes we are all spiritually handicapped-we cannot approximate God 's standard of spiritual perfection necessary for a relationship with Him. We have no ability to overcome our sin. Still He chose out of love and compassion to meet our very pressing need. Unsaved people are puzzled at the dignity and worth we as Christians know because we have recognized ourselves as sinners and accepted Christ' s compassion . A humanitarian act performed to meet one' s own ego needs expresses vain piety. The same act done toward a fellow sinner deserving of God 's death on the cross shows true compassion. Overcoming Obstacles Many Christians are motivated by biblical principles to show compassion to the disabled, but fail to do so because of a number of obstacles . The first barrier to compassion is focus on self. Our fear of saying something incorrect or appearing awkward prevents us from treating the challenged individual as just another person with a different set of abilities . However, if we are willing to risk looking foolish for the name of Christ, we can be a source of blessing to others . And once we get to know disabled individuals , our fears will subside . The second hurdle is the American penchant for delegation. "Let the government do it. Isn 't there a government agency for that?" We remember the perversion of the true Gospel for a social gospel , so we delegate to secular agencies the biblical mandates to assist the less fortunate . But why should the church give away one of the greatest outreach tools available– meeting the needs of others? Remember that Christ healed ten lepers and only one returned (Luke 17:11-19) . Do we think Jesus misplaced His compassion by helping some who did not believe? God 's admonition is not "and only to the household of faith" but rather it is "to do good to all people , and so much more to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). A third roadblock is the recent phenomenon of specialization. In America, to be viewed as one who can function effectively in a given endeavor, one has to be a certified authority with years of formal study. We can take this idea too far and feel, "If only I had a degree in special education , or child psychology , or physical therapy , I would know what to say and what to do ." This strategy affords us an easy escape from the real risk of being vulnerable and transparent. We can all be kind and helpful. Compassion is a part of our elementary Christian education, not an elective course for a professional degree. The fourth obstacle is the emphasis on programs instead of service within the church itself. Many church directories list programs designed especially for those with disability . Wise church leaders evaluate these programs on the basis of how well they meet people' s needs and not how impressive they look on paper. A danger of programs is that the average members of a local assembly may delegate the privilege of showing compassion . Are we comfortable letting the teachers in the "special" Sunday School class or the ministers to the deaf do all the work instead of becoming involved ourselves? Why should we let them have all the fun? Learning Compassion Even when our motivation is pure and we know the obstacles we may still feel awkward showing compassion to the disabled. The following is a short list of suggestions to help us begin . We should: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Treat the disabled individual like anyone else. Remember we are all spiritually disabled and dependent on Christ. He made us and loves us all. Include the families of disabled children in our activities. Loneliness is one of the most common experiences of the disabled and their families . Plan our ministry. This should include deciding how to become involved in their lives, thinking ahead of time what to say , and anticipating our reactions so we feel more comfortable. Say what we are thinking. Parents of children with disability dealt with the issues a long time ago . Understanding the need for tact , what could we possibly say that would be hurtful? Isolation is much more thoughtless. Offer specific assistance in explicit terms. Families of disabled individuals are painfully aware of guilt motivation and often do not ask for assistance for fear of obligating another. Showing compassion to the disabled within one' s circle of acquaintance is a very real expression of Christ's love and an evidence of the working out of salvation. Compassion should arise from the desire to be used of God to give dignity and worth to those we are serving. We must avoid the pitfall of delegating this privilege to the government, to the "experts ," or to liberal religious organizations . By seizing this opportunity to let Christ live through us on behalf of the physically , mentally , and developmentally disabled , we will take a large step in overcoming the effects of our own spiritual disability . Mark Klimek is assistant professor of nursing at Cedarville College. He holds the B.S.N. from the University of Virginia, the M.S.N. from Wayne State University, and is completing work for his Ph.D. at Wayne State. Mark's !!L..:!!llC..-l!!!!ll areas of expertise are adult medical surgical nursing and transcultural nursing .