In an era where we have become so technologically sophisticated that cars can drive themselves, when we can have the luxury of a hotel experience while flying business class on an airplane, where you can do everything on your phone that could be done on your computer, where you can conduct a meeting with several people in different countries without leaving your home, where you can start your car remotely from your phone …
The Body of Christ has traveled a million miles away from being Christ-like. So far off the grid from living up to imago dei … in the Image of GOD … what has happened?
Our high levels of intelligence and so-called progress in modern living have proven to move us backward than forward. Ever take a look at the behavior in a business meeting? There is more time spent scrolling and texting on the phone during the meeting than making eye contact with the people in the room.
When I just pause to consider the lifestyle of Jesus, minus the sandals and walking everywhere, it leaves me rather red-faced to see that all the fancy toys that I have access to, and the tech savvy nuances at my fingertips don’t make me any more like Him.
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 ESV
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 1 John 3:17 ESV
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 ESV
Compassion. Let’s start there.
We have laws to keep us from abusing power and lording it over people. I find it interesting that we have to legislate practices to protect the vulnerable and prevent the decision-makers from mistreatment of those who have no power (or resources). Compassion is characterized by action that is kicked into gear in response to a need. And not just any need. A need that is mutually felt necessary by the one who is suffering and the one who can be the answer to that suffering. The Latin definition of compassion means to suffer alongside of. A kind of a togetherness in the wilderness, if you will. Only difference is that there is a call to action on the part of the one who has the advantage to be that answer to prayer and is willing to step up and step in.
Jesus showed compassion every time He healed someone. The Bible has record of many of the healing miracles of Jesus, but not all of them. We can count at least 30 documented in the book of Matthew. Perhaps, Matthew’s skill and finesse with accounting and record-keeping enabled him to keep track. Nonetheless, we have proof of the compassionate heart of our Savior to act.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 ESV
If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 1 Corinthians 12:26 ESV
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. John 11:33-35 ESV
Empathy. This is the big kahuna (as I refer to it). This is the ability to feel another person’s pain and make it your own. When we say, “Jesus, break my heart for what breaks Yours,” that’s a pretty big commitment. And it sure sounds as though we’re rising up to the occasion to be an obedient disciple of Christ. But do we really want to feel the pain of others? Remember, it’s not an exchange; it’s in addition to your already existing pain.
Let’s be real here: that’s more than just discomfort and out of the comfy zone. And it sounds so tender and kind. However, when the rubber meets the road, are we truly willing to go there? Outside of our Sunday-best behavior, and in the presence of all the world to see. Our actions and lifestyle will tell all. If there is any contradiction, if our walk fails to match our talk, we are no sooner dismissed than if we never entered the conversation. It would be best left unsaid. Let’s not bring disgrace to the Name of Jesus.
As Believers and followers of Jesus, we have the responsibility to honor our commitment to the Lord (that’s why we call Him Lord) by living accordingly in the face of a watching and scrutinizing unsaved world. Otherwise, Jesus is only our Savior ~ not our Lord. And there’s nothing worse than a Believer who says one thing and does the complete opposite. Gives the rest of the Body of Christ a really bad reputation.
50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:50 ESV
Jesus defines His Family as those who do the will of His Father. Makes sense, doesn’t it? He doesn’t exclude anyone for not being of Jewish heritage, or not growing up in His neighborhood, or not speaking the same language, or not wearing the same designer label tunic or sporting the classy sandals found sold under glass. He doesn’t brush off the ones of a certain economic status, nor does He play favorites to those who attend a specific synagogue.
Jesus went out of His immediate circle of close friends to heal and restore. He didn’t remain within the confines of the people He traveled with. Recall how the Pharisees condemned Jesus for having dinner with sinners and tax collectors. In fact, on several occasions, even His own disciples (His inner circle) questioned why He did what He did. They, too, were often stunned by the countercultural behavior on display. Perhaps, that’s what we all should be praying about.
Living like Jesus may roll out as being completely countercultural, even within the pristine walls of our own churches, against the backdrop of our denominations, and ruffle a few feathers of those in our own congregations. Are we willing to go against the grain of what has always been, for the sake of living like Jesus?
If Jesus lived contrary to the ways of man, and being the Son of GOD, lived out the Will of the Father, should we be examining how we live?
It’s time we hit the pause button and do some introspective thinking and a lot of praying. Let’s get back to the basics of Scripture and what the Master taught us when He walked the planet (that He created).
I want to challenge each one of us to think outside of ourselves today. To re-evaluate how we live out our faith.
Are compassion and empathy a natural way of life for us? Or do we have to add it to our wardrobe (like an accessory) to make us appear more Christ-like?
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 ESV
Titus Two 