Uncaring is not a disease acquired overnight—such a condition would be so rare and require such cataclysmic factors that it seems almost absurd to accuse anyone of sudden heartlessness. No, I suspect this state is more akin to cholesterol. Its level in the bloodstream slowly creates the pathogenesis of certain conditions, like the development of atherosclerotic plaque and heart disease. Uncaring is simple hardening of the spiritual arteries. The ability to sympathize is slowly choked by a steady increase of annoyance, critical thinking, skepticism, anger and a sense of self-righteousness.
I think of myself as a caring person. I believe most would agree with my assessment. But God has a knack for jarring my conscience with facts. In truth, my caring is a pathetic pittance to the love Jesus models. Too many mornings I read the words of jaded columnists and conniving journalists in our city newspaper. I’m disgusted by context distortion. It infuriates me that the pen and keyboard can be used to smear those the media dislike with no repercussion. It appalls me how fear is hyped while hope is belittled. I don’t think to pray for them. It’s much easier just to be mad at them.
Elected officials openly violate state law to sanction marriage between men, to make official the union of two women. I decry the incessant plot to bludgeon the time-honored t
I pass the man with his cardboard sign (the one I’ve seen on multiple days at different spots) who stands by the freeway off-ramp and wants my money. He hopes I’ll feel guilty and help him. I don’t see him as a person, I see a plot behind a sign and wish he would quit the scam and go get a real job.
I’m afraid if an angel came disguised as a poor person needing help I’d ask how she got in such a mess. I’d think of who I could refer her to, concerned she might become dependent upon me, wary of being duped, unwilling to be some “welfare agency.” I’ve become hardened and I don’t like it.
Meditation
Proverbs 21:13—If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.
Oh God, I have not prayed for those I care little for because I’m too full of myself. They need Your love. I need Your love. In my zeal to be right, I’ve let judging replace mercy. I’ve put my intellect before Your still small voice. Why should You hear me when I exhibit little compassion for those whose values aren’t like mine? I cannot be a cold light. Please forgive me and help me to be caring as You are caring. Show me how to act, how to listen and what to pray for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Inspiration
