I really struggle with that, though.
Poor kids in Haiti - compassion.
Lost souls in Kingston Jamaica - compassion.
Homeless men and women in The District - compassion.
That kind of compassion is "easy." We're human. If you aren't moved by a story of an innocent person in need, then maybe you should do some soul searching. What I'm talking about is a different kind of compassion. A compassion for people who know better.
I keep seeing people in and around my life (even stories on the news) make really bad decisions. I keep seeing them travel down a path that will inevitably lead to destruction - and it's obvious to these people. But, they do it anyway.
And, I think the hardest part is that the majority of the stories I see and hear are from Christians. Christians who've grown up in church. They know right from wrong. They know what a real realtionship with God feels like, but they throw it all away for selfishness. For personal desires or gain. They get so caught up in what the world thinks - how they look, feel, how big their house is, how nice their car is, how blah, blah, blah, blah.... That they forget none of those things matter!
On one hand, I'm preaching to the choir because I'm definitely selfish at times. But, I pray it's never to the detriment of others. And, those of you who know me well, know I love my shoes and purses and sunglasses and losing weight. Bargains are fun, and dropping dresses sizes is fun but my clothing and appearance is not the most important thing in my life. Didn't God say that if He clothes the lilies of the field and feeds the fishes and birds, how much more will He take care of us? (Missy's paraphrase of Matthew 6:26-30, lol)
I was reading my Life of Jesus plan today, and came across this passage.
"But the disciples had forgotten to bring any food. They had only one loaf of bread with them in the boat. 15 As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod.” 16 At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread.17 Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “Why are you arguing about having no bread? Don’t you know or understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in?18 ‘You have eyes—can’t you see? You have ears—can’t you hear?’[a] Don’t you remember anything at all? 19 When I fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread, how many baskets of leftovers did you pick up afterward?” “Twelve,” they said. 20 “And when I fed the 4,000 with seven loaves, how many large baskets of leftovers did you pick up?” “Seven,” they said. 21 “Don’t you understand yet?” he asked them." - Mark 8:14-21
The disciples had traveled with Jesus some time. At this point they have seen Jesus heal dozens of people: blind eyes opened, deaf ears unclogged, dead raised to life again, demons removed, and food supernaturally multiplied. They have seen Jesus do these miraculous things, and yet they were arguing with each other over who forgot the bread.
If Jesus has the faith to raise someone from the dead, don't you think He can provide food for the disciples?
I feel for Jesus. "Don't you understand yet?" DON'T YOU GET IT?
I know there have been many times where Jesus was screaming this at me. Specifically last Summer when I was so fearful of quitting my part time job to do Chi Alpha 100% full time. I remember I was in my car on the phone with my Dad. I was literally asking him if I could quit the law firm.
"Why are you asking me?" Dad asked.
"Because, you are my emergency fund, Dad. You help me out when ends don't meet. I'm asking you if you will still help me even though I want to take $175 out of my monthly budget by quitting."
"Did God ask you to quit your job?"
"Yes."
"Then, why on earth are you asking me if you should?"
Silence. My Dad had an excellent point.
I was so worried about money and what would happen to me that I was literally disobeying God. Now, my dad went on to tell me that he will help me in and every way I can if it means I'm in God's will. But, even if he had said no, I still would have quit. Why? Because I understand that God's not "out to get me" or in the business of leaving His followers "high and dry."
So, what's my point?
My point is take today to live for someone else other than yourself. Quit worrying about 1) Things you cannot change because they are out of your control, or 2) Stupid things like finding a man or being a size 4 that don't really matter. Take a moment to listen to see if God is pulling a wake up call on you. If you do, I guarantee He's gonna' meet you where you are, and help fill what ever gap or void you are trying to fix on your own.
I'd apologize for being so serious today, but it's weighing heavy on my heart. I think I'm finally feeling compassion. My heart's breaking for these people who just need to get a glimpse of understanding God's goodness. Pray for me today, please.
Peace out, dear friends.
Missy :o)
P.S. - Since quitting last July, God has blessed me and allowed me to raise an additional $400 a month. Now that's something I understand.
P.S.S. - If you want to join in the fun and make that $400 increase Click Here.
