Galatians 1:10
I am not trying to please people. I want to please God. Do you think I am trying to please people? If I were doing that, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Probably every single one of us has heard our mom say, “If So-and-So told you to jump off a cliff, would you do it?” in response to something we said or did “…because So-and-So said/did it.” We are driven by what others think much of the time. So we see a couple going through a divorce, and we think, “Oh, well… lots of people get divorced.” We hear that someone’s mother or father or another family member or friend passed away, and we think, “That’s too bad, but it happens every day.”
We hear that our friend didn’t make the cheer squad and we think, “Too bad, but there were only so many slots available.” We see someone who is dirty or smells bad, and we either think, “That’s not my problem,” or we turn and look the other way and pretend we didn’t notice.
We assume that because many elderly people in the nursing home are out of their mind and so sick and decrepit that they wouldn’t even know if we came to visit, much less be able to sit and talk with us. We take a look at someone who goes into the ER and is disheveled and acting erratically and supposedly in serious pain, and we think … “That person is probably on drugs and wanting more narcotics or a ‘quick fix’.” We drive right past the homeless people on the street or cut a wide berth for the dirty person in the aisle at the grocery store and pretend we didn’t see them … much less acknowledge they might have a need we can meet.
You don’t have to address what you don’t acknowledge… and the world says, “You don’t have to concern yourself with these people and situations … they are not your problem.”
The truth is that, while they are not literally our problem, as disciples of Christ, any person who is suffering or in need requires our attention on some level. We cannot turn and look the other way. We can’t pretend we are too busy, or the person is too crazy, or the situation is simply too unpleasant for us to handle. If we are going to be the hands and feet of Jesus, we have to act like it!
This doesn’t mean we have to become 100% involved and engrossed in the person’s problems. But we have to show compassion. We have to care that others are going through a divorce and offer to pray for them. We have to care when someone doesn’t make the team or the cheer squad and be kind and sympathetic toward them … listen if they need to talk, and encourage them to try again or to try out for something else. We have to visit those who are grieving, send cards, and yes – attend a few funerals.
We have to support missions for homeless people and smile kindly at others in the stores and on the streets, regardless of how they look or smell. We have to stop passing judgment based on appearances. We have to stop calling people names and discriminating against them. I don’t care if Sam does act like an idiot… we do not call him that to his face – or behind his back. I don’t care of Sue is wealthy and can afford “help” in a crisis … we must still offer ours, as well. Mr. Joe may very well be old and grumpy and can barely get around … but he still deserves our kindness.
Do you see what I mean by this? Our “world” – and the devil – has told us that it’s all about us, and we don’t have to concern ourselves with others. Jesus died on the cross for us. The other guy is on his own. But this is not entirely true. Yes, Jesus died on the cross for us … but He died for the other guy, too. And… he taught us that we are to love others as we love ourselves … and that’s not always a popular stand.
We have to stop caring what others think, because their ways are not always God’s ways. We have to be sure that our thoughts and our actions line up with the word of God and the teachings of Jesus. We can’t talk one way and walk another. How are your words and deeds lining up these days? Who are you pleasing… and to whom are you listening?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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