I got into a class discussion once about this notion. They had recently been with a teacher who taught some current theory that everything we do is done for some personal reason and that there is no such thing as altruism. I suggested that this was a rather skeptical point of view, to which they agreed.
I then explained the entire notion of Christianity is to do “good works” so that Christ gets the glory (and not the individual doing the act). They didn’t know what to think of this.
1Co 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
You know, its true that Brantly could find plenty of people here to minister to without risking his life to go to Liberia.
But, on the other hand, there aren’t that many people in a position to take off to Liberia at risk of their lives. There are plenty of people here to do the work here, there are churches all over town in fact, Christians up and down every other street. Coulter is available, for example, if she is worried about them. You and me, too.
There are lots of us who can’t go to Liberia who can take care of the work here. Not too many people like Brantly.
There are many tools in the tool kit. Coulter has her role to play, you and I do too, and Brantly has his. I don’t have to be Coulter or Brantly because they already have that covered. I just have to do whats in front of me.