Contribution Or Commitment

“Auntie Mame,” the “eat, drink and be merry character” in the play of the same name, declares that “Life is a banquet, and most poor so-and-so’s are starving to death.” We are told in the Book of Proverbs that Widsom has dressed her meat, mixed her wine, spread her table, and we are invited to the banquet!

Imagine the table loaded with the choicest foods. Happy guests are eating and drinking and singing. Imagine, in this moment of high celebration, a rugged individualist standing off in a corner, gnawing on a bone and a crust of bread. “I don’t have to join in your banquet,” he says, “You can’t make me.” “Of course we can’t make you,” we answer. “But what are you proving by your lonely defiance. Come, there is plenty for everyone. Join us in rejoicing and you will make our joy yet more full.” This dialogue is really what Christian evangelism is all about. It is going out, as Jesus said,…