Caring for Others

Well, as the new year kicks off, and I see so much turmoil in the world, a lack of morality, and a society that seems to seek only self and selfish ambition, my heart is saddened. But I am reminded of Matthew 6:33-34. Matthew 6:33-34 (ESV) states “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” I know from the promises of God that if I seek God each and every day that I will be blessed with love, joy, hope, and peace (and I am). But it is a struggle to look upon our society today and see the corruption, the immorality, the lack of love for others, and not be challenged on how I can help. This is a challenge that I am sure many Christians believers are struggling with today. How can we help such an immoral society, a society that worships so many different idols? These idols can come in many forms, like vacations, sports, cars, houses, jobs, other people, money, sex, or power to name a few. No person or country is immune from idol worship. For example, countries like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, force their population to worship their leaders/governmental systems. These countries support crazy ideologies and produce dictators, fascism, communism, and in general oppress their population forcing them to idolize the governmental system. Even here in the United States, the senior officials of the government currently appear to be focused on self-worship, idolizing deviant behavior, supporting immorality, corruption, and a focus on hedonist behavior (our society is going crazy).

When I look at this across the world, my head hurts, and it makes me wonder how I can make any impact at all. Well, when I struggle with these types of questions it is always best to refer to the bible and spend time listening and praying to the Lord. While doing this, Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV) came to mind, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” As I read this, I am convicted and challenged to reach out to others, to disciple, to engage, and to help bring a great rival back to the United States to save souls for the kingdom of God.

I find the biggest challenge to accomplishing this is my own pride, my own arrogance, and my own idol worship. My heart desires to be more like Christ, and I am striving to practice the fruit of the spirit. Galatians 5:22-26 (ESV) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other,” but this is a difficult challenge in today’s world (at least for me). With that said, the Lord has encouraged me to start the new year seeking his presence, repenting, listening, and praying for all those in my life and others that are in my heart. I have and will continue to face many challenges, but the Holy Spirit drives me on, and encourages me to have a heart to disciple and seek the lost. I want to encourage all of you this week to engage in our broken world. Share the gospel, encourage others, share your love to all that you can, and know that you will be blessed beyond all measure, while doing so. Also, it only takes a simple smile to change someone life for the better!