Falling Or Rising To The Occasion!

Causes and civilizations may come and go for various reasons. Some are overpowered from without. Others may crumble from within due to actions -- or the lack there of -- that bring instability. Perhaps one of the greatest powers that can self-inflict the resulting demise of a cause or people is apathy; no longer CARING for others or what is going on in general. An individual by the name of William Schlamm is quoted as suggesting the following epitaph for our society: “This civilization died because it didn’t want to be bothered.” [original source unknown]

Not wanting to be bothered! How often have we felt that way when someone needed our help? Perhaps we were wearied from having done it before and here they were again. Certainly we should be mindful of truly helping rather than merely enabling others to have no desire to change their situation. However, how many times have we called upon God (or others) for the very same thing?

Have we ever heard someone respond to another, “Go tell someone who cares”? Do those words not convey the sentiment of not wanting to be bothered? If some has to go searching for “someone who cares” where will such people be found? Will we be one of them?

Peter 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)

Praise God He genuinely CARES! GOD CARED enough to send His Son to save us from our sins. JESUS CARED enough to endure the cross on our behalf. The APOSTLES CARED enough to endure persecution to bring the truth of eternal life to others. And the early CHURCH CARED enough for others that they didn’t consider what they possessed to be their own ( Acts 4:32) but were even willing to sell possessions in order to help “as any had need.” ( Acts 2:45)

Is this a godly and Christ-like characteristic that is being instilled in our life? Humbling ourselves before God as Peter urged should not only help maintain our connection to the BLESSED CARE of God, but also cause us to be CARING toward others because we won’t be overly caught up in our own selves.

James exhorted…
“(26) If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. (27) RELIGION THAT IS PURE AND UNDEFILED BEFORE GOD, THE FATHER, IS THIS: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” ( James 1:26-27 ESV)

Doesn’t that sound like caring? Being mindful of others and their situation! The religious life God wants us to embrace is not only a holy thing, but is also to be practical for daily living. How we treat others says something about how we view God and the sense of appreciation we have for all He has provided for our life. If we think we are religious, is it being made evident by how much we genuinely CARE about others? The amazing thing about genuinely CARING is that it usually takes the “bother” out of service and replaces it with the joy of having the opportunity to be used in service to the glory of God. May we CARE enough to be the best help we can be to those around us.

Have a great day MINDFUL OF MODELING THE LORD’S COMPASSION!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Caring