What am I Doing?

"QUERULUS wastes much of his precious time in disclaiming against the management of public affairs; though he has neither access to the spring which move the wheels of government, nor influence either to accelerate or retard their motions. Our national concerns are no more affected by the remonstrances of Querulus, then the heavenly bodies are by the disputes of astronomers. While the newspapers are the chief sources of his intelligence, and his situation precludes him from being a competent judge either of matters of facts, or matters of right, why should Querulus trouble himself with politics? This would be a weakness, if we consider him only as a member of society; but if we consider him as a Christian, it is worse than weakness: it is sinful conformity to the men of the world, who look no farther than to second causes, and forget that the LORD REIGNS. If a Christian be placed in a public sphere of action, he should undoubtedly be faithful to his calling, and endeavor by all lawful methods to transmit our privileges to posterity: but it would be better for Querulus to let the dead bury the dead. There are people enough to make a noise about political matters, who know not how to employ their time to better purpose. Our Lord's kingdom is not of this world; and most of his people may do their country much more essential service by pleading for it in prayer, than by finding fault with things which they have no power to alter. If Querulus had opportunity of spending a few months under some of the governments upon the continent (I may indeed say under any of them), he would probably bring home with him more grateful sense of the Lord's goodness to him, in appointing his lot in Britain. As it is, his zeal is not only unprofitable to others, but hurtful to himself. It embitters his spirit, it diverts his thoughts from things of greater importance, and prevents him from feeling the value of those blessings, civil and religious, which he actually possesses: and could he (as he wishes) prevail on many to act in the same spirit, the governing powers might be irritated to take every opportunity of abridging that religious liberty which we are favored with above all the nations upon the earth. Let me remind Querulus, that the hour is approaching, when many things, which at present too much engross his thoughts and inflame his passions, will appear as foreign to him as what is now transacting among the Tarters or Chinese."--- "Select Letters of John Newton" (written in 1774-1781)

I know this is a big paragraph for some to read, but it really made me think! As Christians our main focus in life should be that of sharing the gospel with those around us. When we get so worried with what is going on in the world today it could potentially distract us from our duty as Christians or even hurt our testimony.
 What John Newton said about the "Tarters or Chinese" off the top of my head I didn't know what he was talking about... I had to research it. In the mid 80's we got a big scare over AID's. Today you can live a perfectly normal life with AID's just by taking pills regularly. In 1940 Hitler tried to destroy the Jews. Around 6,000,000 Jews were killed.In 1860 one nation divided over an issue with brothers fighting against brothers resulting in the death of 620,000. In 1792 the French Revolutionary War broke out resulting in the turmoil of a nation. In the 1400's the black plague swept through Europe and killed an estimated 30%-60% or 25 million people of Europe.
 So why are we so concerned about what is going on in our world today? During all of the above we saw mass revival resulting in the salvation of many. And in this day and age we have the most freedom we have ever had. And yet, what are we doing? We are too afraid to share or give out a tract because we are afraid of what people might think of us or say to us.
 I am so thankful for this challenge. I hope it is as big a challenge to you as it was for me.
By Emily Swain