What Trips Your Trigger?
By Susan Klein
“He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people.”
Exodus 2:11b
By Susan Klein
“He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people.”
Exodus 2:11b
“He” was Moses. He was raised in opulence by the pharaoh’s daughter, though he was born of a Hebrew peasant woman. His roots, tightly entwined around his heart, would not allow him to bear the injustice he witnessed inflicted against his own people. An Egyptian task-master, beating a Hebrew man, tripped his trigger and died at the hands of Moses. God later used that fire within him to lead the Israelites out of bondage.
Another man, raised in the deep south of the United States, felt a similar pull as he watched the oppression of his own people. His passion ignited his efforts toward racial equality that eventually cost him his life. He was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
She was just an average geography teacher in an underprivileged country. Her route to school each morning took her past homeless men and women who were literally dying in the streets. One day, the fire within her was ignited and she could stand it no longer! She rallied the forces of a few friends and started a ministry to care for these poor and rejected souls. She was Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu. You may know her as Mother Teresa.
So, what trips your trigger? Maybe your righteous indignation stems from seeing babies aborted or children abused. Perhaps your fire is ignited when you hear about adults who’ve never learned to read or people living on the streets. Or is your trigger tripped when you see the spiritually lost and perishing? As your fire is flamed, does it spur you on toward action?
I believe God ignites a holy passion within us that motivates us to do the good works He has called us to do. Sometimes, that igniting comes in the form of righteous anger! When we act upon those feelings in a positive way, one that helps or benefits others, it brings glory to God and sets an example for all who observe. Laws have been changed over tripped triggers regarding child safety. Help-agencies have been established across the globe due to the righteous indignation of men and women who can’t stand to sit by and watch poverty-stricken people starve and die.
Perhaps your passion is helping children learn to read. Consider tutoring at a local school or help-agency, such as The Salvation Army. Or, maybe you can’t bear the thought of people going without food. Help out at a food pantry, organize a food drive, or make a meal for someone.
First, discover your passion. Then ask your Father why He ignited it, and what He wants you to do about it!
GOING DEEPER:
1. What hurts your heart or spurs passion in your soul?
2. What might you do to act upon it?
FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 13:16; Matthew 25:34-40
Susan is a wife and mother of two. She is the Coordinator of Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and one of its teachers.
