A Problem?

For some people a job is just a job while others may view their employment from the standpoint of the significant contribution they can make with regard to the lives of others. To enjoy what we are doing can take some of the “work” out of it. However, taking what we do seriously can also create some stress when we share a genuine CONCERN for the welfare of others.

In my ministry and the various ways in which I have been enabled to connect with our community, I have the privilege (along with which comes some responsibility) of interacting with people on various levels. My wife’s employment also connects her with the lives of others as she works in an assisted living facility. In her work she enjoys the interaction she has with the residents there, but has also come to realize a certain amount of stress that goes along with her work as she finds herself thinking about the care of these people even when she is not at work. One of her co-workers recently stated, “Your problem is you care too much.”

CARE TOO MUCH? Is that possible? Is that a problem? Perhaps we would agree that such an attitude has its side affects. Paul appears to have experienced it as he continued in his labors for the Lord.

After listing many of the trials that he endured, Paul stated…
“(28) And, apart from other things, there is the DAILY PRESSURE ON ME OF MY ANXIETY FOR ALL THE CHURCHES. (29) Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?” ( 2 Corinthians 11:28-29 ESV)

The Greek word translated “anxiety” here is the word “merimna”, meaning care or anxiety. W.E. Vine points to this word as appearing to be connected to “merizo” which literally refers to being drawn in different directions and thus being distracted. [Vine’s Exp. Dict. Of N.T. Words] What Paul seems to have pointed to was a CARE FOR OTHERS that just naturally drew his mind to them and their needs.

Peter exhorted and encouraged…
“(6) Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, (7) casting all your anxieties on him, BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU.” ( 1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV)

Peter, in referring to GOD’S CARE, used the same word (“merimna”) Paul used of himself. Perhaps if we were to say that God had a problem it would be that HE CARES TOO MUCH! Consider all He has provided for our emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual welfare! God continues to be patient toward a world that has largely ignored Him. ( 2 Peter 3:9) He continues to hold out hope! He loved enough to send the very best -- His only Begotten Son -- to deal adequately with our sins and provide what is necessary to secure our eternal salvation.

Does HE CARE TOO MUCH? Do we daily acknowledge HOW MUCH HE CARES? Even in the midst of this vast creation we each have drawn the loving attention of God! May we help others come to know how much HE DOES CARE as we ourselves respond appropriately to such a love as He has revealed.

Have a great day ETERNALLY THANKFUL THAT GOD TRULY CARES!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Caring