How come we are so quick to forward emails defaming presidential candidates,
but we are so indifferent towards the plight of the oppressed?
How come we cry "wolf" when confronted with homosexuality, but bury our heads
when other parts of the world are facing ethnic cleansing?
How come we complain so much about gas prices, but ignore the fact that so many
homeless live in the streets of our city?
How come we blow up when we don't receive a pay raise, but we forget about those
who don't even have enough money for one meal a day?
How come we become outraged when taxes increase, but close our ears towards the
cries of our persecuted brothers and sisters?
Have we forgotten our priorities?
Have we forgotten how Jesus urges us to love one another? (See John 13:34-35)
It is only by loving others that we will we be able to reach out to them.
Indifference and selfishness close the doors of opportunity, while love, when
propelled by God's Spirit, opens the gates of Heaven!
One man left His entire realm behind. He forsook His fortune. He relinquished
His position. He said goodbye to His family and friends. He fixed His focus on
the oppressed and the abandoned as well as the homeless and the widowed. "I have
come to set you free" became his motto. "The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to
proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to
release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18-19
NIV) Our salvation was at the core of His heart. Our eternity was His purpose.
He died a cruel death to pay the price which would set us free, if only we
accept His offer.
Have we forgotten to walk in His footsteps? Has His interest really become our
main focus in life? Have we let His love truly invade our soul? Are we fighting
for the plight of the underprivileged? Are we broadcasting the freedom obtained
by our Lord and Master?
Or do we prefer to sit comfortably in front of our media centre, echoing the
complaints of this world?
Is it possible that we may be serving a different master? Do we truthfully
believe in the message of hope proclaimed in the gospel?
Let's not lose sight of who we are in Christ. Let's not lose sight of the One we
are supposed to be following.
"Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Be very
careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of
every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but
understand what the Lord's will is." (Eph 5:14-17 NIV)
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.