“For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone.” Romans 14:7 (NIV)

“The right of every person to be left alone must be placed in the scales with the right of others to communicate.” (Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, May 4, 1970)

The litigant society in which we live has taught us to shy away from getting involved. We want our privacy and to be left alone. Without doubt, all of us would resist laws that would force us to involve ourselves in other people’s circumstances. The problem with non-involvement rights, however, is that they engender apathy.

Our society is a perfect example of proof. In New York City, a mail carrier was ordered out of a building because he was dripping blood from a sniper’s bullet. In Oklahoma City, a woman fell on the sidewalk in birth pains and delivered a baby but passersby refused to help. Certainly, there are many other such stories, we’ve all heard. The problem has become so commonplace that the media has become apathetic about this issue.

Certainly, we do not want to be obnoxious. Jesus is our example, however, and he never was apathetic about the plight of those around him. He encouraged the sinner to repent. He urged the hypocrites to change attitudes and behaviors. He preached truth to all who would listen. He consoled the weary. He blessed the children. He healed the sick and delivered the addicts. He blessed the poor. He warned the believers. He promised he would return.

Note just how involved Jesus was: “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” John 6:37-38 (KJV)

The songwriter wrote, “O what a love that he gave me. O what compassion for my soul.” What a loving example for our ministries!

Dear Father, thank you for being involved in our lives. Empower us with the love and compassion to involve ourselves in the eternity of others. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today as you become involved,