We live in a world where “me” is more important. A society where our “happiness” is more important than reality. We’ve even declared that we can alter the way life works to make someone feel “accepted.” What if instead of focusing on ourselves we focused on someone else?
See, when we are focused on ourselves, our perspective is warped. All we see is how decisions make us feel and how they fit into our “end goal.” It’s easy to fall into traps of greed, lust, pride, and more when all that matters is “me.” Because of this, it is easy to think of others as “less than” or “obstacles” in our lives.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:9-10
New International Version
Often, we find it easier to say that you simply need to be nice, or more likely less than rude. In reality, we are supposed to be sincere. In deeper meaning, we are supposed to care for each other more than simply passing by each other.
I attended a conference once and the speaker said that the average person with suicidal intentions acts like their life is good and that they have it all together. That is why it is often a shock when that person carries through their intentions. What if we were sincere in our attempts to get to know someone? Could we find out someone’s inner feelings of disgust and devaluing? Could we help them to come out of the darkness?
As we have become more and more used to “pursuing our dreams,” we care less and less about others. When people don’t fit into that dream, we cast them aside without a second thought. As Christ followers, we are supposed to break the “norm” and begin to cherish each other and learn who God designed them to be.
I personally know what it feels like to be cast aside because I didn’t fit into the “dream.” In this case, it was an entire town’s dream of having the biggest school and best sports. Since I didn’t attend their school, I hindered their goal. Only a few people accepted me for who I was instead of casting me aside because I hindered their goals. Are we as Christians much like this? I know I can be sometimes.
Be honest. Do you really cherish each person you come in contact with? It can be hard sometimes when people don’t give you much to work with, I will admit that. That’s why God gave us His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides us and helps us to make right judgments. Also, He gave us the Bible as a road map through life. We can see the mistakes of others and learn from them, see how God worked through them. We can also see what actions God approves of and begin to learn those habits.
I’m not saying we are going to change overnight. As humans, we are bound to mess up sometimes. With Christ, though, we can make a difference in the world if we try. Let me encourage you that neither you nor I are beyond God’s reach. He can teach us anything if we simply open our hearts to Him.
