“Four-Wall Christians”
Poet: Greta Zwaan, © 1994

Four-wall Christians, safe in our way;
Make little impact if all we do is pray.
We may share our dollars, the few we may not need,
And call it generous giving, but God will call it greed.

We think not of our neighbour, or pain in other lands,
We have to make a living, achieve our goals and plans.
We go to church each Sunday, like Christians ought to do,
But after every service, we haven't changed our view.

We live so isolated, so far from hurt and pain;
We stifle our own conscience time and time again.
But what if a "RWANDA" should happen in our land?
And we should feel that heartache, and need that helping hand?

Would we think that a Christian, who had the means and power
Should send relief and comfort in our most desperate hour?
If mortar shells were falling and bombs dropped everywhere,
Would we want other Christians to just kneel down in prayer?

I'd think we'd want assistance, involvement and concern,
With no thought of repayment or favours to return.
Not just a token offering, not just a passing glance,
But genuine love and caring; a new start, a new chance.

If we want that from others, we ought to give the same,
Not out of sheer compulsion, but give in Jesus' name.
Don't be a "four -wall" Christian who doesn't get involved,
Who gives a meagre dollar and prays that wars are solved.

Become a burden-bearer, become a caring friend,
Stretch forth your hand in mercy, just let your life be spent.
The things that are important are what God gives to you,
And how you use that talent that makes His message true.

You cannot take it with you, you've heard that line before,
But souls won for God's glory will share that heavenly shore.