The prophet Jeremiah has a reputation for being very unhappy. He was dealt a lousy hand, and his audience regularly played the victim card. But tucked in among Jeremiah’s laments is a challenge for disgruntled believers to get off their backsides and act in accord with their own history. “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16).

Sometimes Christians gripe about the way we are portrayed in the media. We cringe every time it is reported that a psychopath committed an inexcusable crime because God told him to do it. And we know we bring more to the table than “moments of silence” when something bad happens. But others can only define us if we haven’t clearly defined ourselves.

Rather than bicker with the press, let’s invite them to cover this: Cover the historic mercy of Christians who established world class hospitals. Cover the intellect of Christians who founded great universities. Cover the adventurous spirit of Christians who discovered new worlds.

Cover the expertise of Christian teachers who are educating disadvantaged students in Christian schools. Cover the compassion of Christians who are using their church facilities to minister to people others leave on the streets. Cover the outpouring of humanitarian aid Christians are offering around the world. Cover the healing work of Christian nurses and doctors. Cover the consistent way Christians serve others in Jesus’ name.