Yesterday I mentioned that social injustice is happening all over the world at all times of the day. Because the world is experiencing so much heartache on any given day it would seem like it would be easy to get involved and make a difference. But the task seems so overwhelming that myself and maybe you as well, find all the excuses not to do something. It is really easy for me to talk myself out of one thing and into another.

Let’s change that.

When I was thinking about what I wanted to write this week, I tried thinking about all the different causes I have partnered with in the past and I was going to try and sell you on my favorites, but that got me thinking, “Maybe you don’t care as much about this injustice or that thing as I do.” Reasoning with myself I decided the best thing I could do for all of us is ease us into this. How do you do that?

Put things into perspective.

In 2008 there were over 80,000 causes on Myspace & Facebook combined. In 2009 there were 179,000 just on Facebook. There are over 1.5 million non-profit organizations in the United States. Everybody in their brother has a cause. My wife and I seriously contemplated starting one and now I own a couple unused websites because of it. The point is that there is a cause on every web page and on nearly every street corner. There are millions of things you could get involved in. Here are three that I think are the most important:

1. Your local community. Want to change the world? Start in your own backyard! In Las Vegas there are thousands of homeless adults and almost as many children. There are dozens of organizations working to feed these children as well as adults. In the past few years my wife and I have partnered with the Las Vegas Rescue Mission, Club Christ and Caring 4 Kids. Every community in this country has non-profits that could use your time and your talents. If you don’t know of one, call the local Chamber of Commerce and ask for a directory!
2. Your local church. Want to change the world? Partner with an organization that already is! It may come to a surprise to a lot of my readers, but in Las Vegas there are a lot of churches and most of them are doing something to change the world for a better place. My wife and I choose to donate 10% of my income to Central Christian Church because we believe that Central is doing the right things to help change peoples lives. Every single community in the United States has a church and most churches are doing something positive. How can you either partner with a local church or help start a program in your local church to fight against an injustice that is near to you.
3. Your passion. Want to change the world? Write down what you are passionate about and find organizations that help your passions meet the world’s suffering. For me that means organizations like Soles4Souls, African Inland Mission, and VOX United have received extra financial support and prayer support in the past few years. The best way you can serve the world and injustice is to find the place where your deepest passions and the worlds deepest needs intersect.

There are millions of organizations and causes out there, but changing the world starts with small, simple and intentional acts: partnering with organizations in your community, partnering with your local church and finding organizations where your passions are meeting the needs of the world.

So what are you waiting for?