Today there is a movement that contradicts everything we've been taught in our Bibles. This movement has infected society as a whole and it has infiltrated the Church itself. What is it might you ask? What pestilence, what plague sweeps through people turning their hearts to stone and their minds to themselves? It is Narcissism. Yes, today more than any period in history people have become self focused to the point that they can no longer feel compassion for others. Indifference has taken the place of loving service. Now when people both young and old suffer, the response is a blank stare and a roll of the eyes. If someone is in need the reaction is begrudging, "oh great, now I have to put down my iPhone and whatever I was doing that was fun to help some cripple." It's a wonder with the rate narcissism and selfishness is spreading that hospitals are still standing. Those who's occupation is to help the needy even act like It's a bother to fetch a blanket or pour a cup of water for an elderly or ill person.
This infection has created an entire generation. I call that generation N. Not X or Y or even Z, but N for narcissism. This generation is concerned with only one thing, their own comforts and happiness. If catasrophe strikes or someone is maimed, they ignore it or resentfully try to help (usually only because after they've called 911 they feel better about themselves.) This generation has been created by the entitlements and lack of Biblical teaching in schools. Once God was expelled from institutions of learning, children were taught humanism which teaches that "you, not others are the most important. That your happiness is most imperative." This doctrine devoid of compassion and care has swept the nation. This new generation is incapable of empathy, they walk around like bees buzzing, unable to stop and take notice of others needs.
The only cure for this infectious disease. The only way to instill an antecdote is to know Jesus Christ intimately. To let his heart become yours. To see people through his eyes. Christ whilst he walked among us spent his time attending to those in dire need. He healed the lame, raised the dead, laid hands on the lepers (and they were healed) and forgave those who sinned. It is through Christ, not Gandhi or a guru that we learn how to be compassionate again. That we learn how to love again. Without him it is futile. No twelve step progam or therapist or drug will be able to create in you "a clean heart and renew a right spirit." Only Almighty God is capable of restoring our hearts back to loving service.
Jesus said that greatest in the kingdom, "would be the servant of all." He did not say the greatest will be the "servant of self." While the aim is not to gain glory and riches in Heaven by doing selfless acts, it is a remider that our Father and Judge is looking for servant hearted people to rule in his kingdom. He wants a sincere serving generation that instead of looking to self interests seeks to "cloth the naked, feed the hungry, and give drink to the thirsty." Learning to care and serve others is not about merit. If you decide to help others because you believe it will make you closer to God or that it will earn you reward then you have missed the point. Know God and you will want to serve. Sit at Christ's feet and you shall desire to care for the infirmed and those in need.
We need a Generation SH, for servant hearted. But in order for this generation to be transformed they must learn from the Lord. They must be taught how to feel compassionate again. They must purge the doctrines of humanism and embrace Christian morals. Slowly by being exposed to God's nature in his Word and with the help of one who has learned to serve, this generation can be restored.
A remnant of servants remains. It is our job no matter what to care for those who need help most. Despite what you see, don't allow your heart to be hardened. Don't become "lovers of self." (2 Timothy 3:2). Let Jesus keep your heart open and trust that with each cup you fill, each hand you hold, and each hug you bestow that Christ's love is pouring from you into them. Don't just talk about the Gospel, live it! Show a narcissistic world that there are still those who believe in loving compassion. Show the world that "our God is not dead, but he is surely alive!"
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