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We Need To Care
David, many centuries ago, seeking to escape the wrath of king Saul, hid in
a cave. While there he offered a prayer to God, recorded in Ps.142:3b-4. He
cried out to God, “…In the way in which I walk they have secretly
set a snare for me. Look on my right hand and see, for there is no one who acknowledges
me (is concerned for me – t.t.); refuge has failed me; no one cares for
my soul.” His lament on this occasion could well be the cry of modern
man.
Our world today seems to be so cold and uncaring. I have a couple of stories
in my files that show this cold, uncaring attitude. Several years back, a story
was reported in Los Angeles about a man dubbed John Doe #171, a homeless man
who died with no one caring whether he lived or died. He died one evening, lying
right beside City Hall. For several days his body lay decomposing on the lawn.
During this time pedestrians ignored the decaying body, and the lawn workers
simply watered around it. Think how sad it is, to die and have no one care about
you. Yes, we live in a depersonalized society. This is true, especially in crowded
cities filled with strangers. Our age is fast paced with people busily going
their separate ways, having little time to be concerned about others. They are
only concerned about #1.
Another story appeared a number of years ago in “The Miami Herald”
that illustrates the loneliness many feel in our society. They published a sad
story about a young lady living in Miami FL, named Judy Bucknell, 38 year old,
attractive and a successful secretary. She was tragically stabbed to death,
and there was no known family to notify. The police found her diary, which told
of the loneliness and longing of a seemingly successful business woman. One
of the excerpts was very revealing, “What about me! … Who is going
to love Judy Bucknell? I feel so old. Unloved. Unwanted. Abandoned. Used up.
I want to cry and sleep forever … I’m alone and I want to share
something with somebody.” She felt no one cared about her.
This attitude manifested itself when God asked Cain, “Where is Abel your
brother?” Gen.4:9. He answered, “I do not know…Am I my brother’s
keeper?” Cain was trying to escape any responsibility for his brother’s
death. He did not want to care. The same prevailing attitude exists today and
shows just how corrupt and sinful people have become without God. If people
in our society really cared about each, we would not have the civil unrest and
moral problems we have now.
Even in the Lord’s church this attitude of unconcern seems to prevail
at times. I’m not talking about giving financial assistance (for many
do that). I am talking about personal relationships. Many Christians do not
develop caring and concerning relationships with their fellow Christians. They
are so wrapped up in their own affairs they find no time to personally care
for other brothers and sisters in Christ. We all need to study carefully and
take to heart such passages as Rom.12:15; 1.Cor.12:25-26; 1.Pet.3:8.
Imagine this situation. A family with several children has one they can barely
remember, and most of the time they do not even know where he is. Or, a member
of the family is sick but the rest of the family shows little interest in his
getting well. Would you consider this to be a good family relationship? In the
same way, the Lord’s church is the house of God 1.Tim.3:15; Eph.2:19-22.
It is our spiritual family. Locally, we are part of a group or family. How much
do we care for the welfare of the other members in the local family?
From what I have observed, the brethren here at Etna show a caring concern for
each other, and I pray that it will ever be so. But since I write for a larger
audience it may be good to make some points for brethren everywhere to consider.
How well do you know all the members where you attend? Have you let them know
you are interested in their welfare, their souls? How acquainted are you with
the newer members? What about the ones who seldom attend? Others have quit.
Some may be sick and unable to attend. Do you know these people? Have you bothered
to find out why they are not present? Have you done anything to help them return
and be restored? Have you shown them you care about them? When a member loses
a loved one, are you sympathetic? Sometimes a person just needs an ear to listen
to their problems. Do you furnish it? Sometimes all a person needs is a friend
to be around when they are needed. Do or be that for them.
There may be times when we feel like lamenting like David, “no one cares
for my soul.” We may feel no one knows who we are, what we are going through.
We may even feel that everyone has deserted us, and there is nowhere to turn.
Just remember, God, Jesus Christ, the preacher, fellow Christians are available
to help you in time of need or trial. Take heart and realize that while many
may seem to be uncaring, there are those who care for your soul.
It may seem difficult to find those willing to listen to the word of God. One
thing that will work for Christianity today is a clean, moral lifestyle, practiced
by people who care for each other. Many denominations are compromising with
society and accepting immoral practices into their fellowships. As a result,
sincere, religious people are being turned off by the acceptance of abortion,
homosexuality, sexual immorality, et. Al. They want something better. As NT
Christians we can offer them a proper moral lifestyle, by talking the talk,
and walking the walk, by being our brother’s keeper. By showing them we
care.
By Thommy Thornhill via the Etna Enlightner Vol. 2 Number 41 December 1, 2013
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