IDENTITY LOST

I Was Just Thinking About - - - 

A major ancillary problem developing in the technological world is that of Identity Theft. We are becoming more familiar with this term as well as Hacking and Cyber Attacks. It’s almost as though we have drifted back into the land of fiction where the Jetsons and those whose creativeness brought us Star Trek (later Star Wars, Inter-Galactic Space Travel, etc.). The even greater loss is where people lose their identities and become labelled with generalized terms such as migrants, illegal aliens, refugees and displaced people. The masses of humanity seeking refuge and safety is vastly increasing. If they remain where they are, they will be subjected to invasion or death. If they leave their homes, they are subjected to theft, abuse and rejection. All kinds of media and service organizations are indicating the plight of mostly innocent people who are located at the epicenter of turmoil and political upheaval. 

There seem to be only two choices one can make in this regard. To either be calloused/indifferent toward the refugees or to be compassionate/involved in the plight of those who are being subjugated to all kinds of danger or death. Years ago, someone popularized the use of four letters WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) that was made into jewelry, plaques, etc. We need to pause and ask ourselves some questions: Am I willing to assist in alleviating the difficulties of thousands of men, women and children today? What can and will I do to assist? The easiest approach for a professing Christian is to add this growing need to a prayer list. Another way, is to select a reputable organization where the majority of monies is spent to meet the current needs of people worldwide. Are you concerned enough to become involved and to attempt to be and make a difference in/for the lives of others?

One of the major obstacles most professing Christians face is the depersonalization of the need and problem. We know the plight of people exists but we allow ourselves to be detached because it is so far removed from where we live. There are two Biblical illustrations (among many) that we can ponder. In John 4, the disciples had gone to purchase food for themselves while Jesus remained behind and offer living water to the woman at the well. When the disciples returned, they were detached from what Jesus had done - a Jew being involved with a Samaritan. His point was made in John 4:35, “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” As you look out on the horizon of our world today, what do you sense or see? Do you see the masses with need? Or, do you see it as a disturbance to your personal plans and lifestyle?

The other passage is Matthew 25:31-46 where the subject of final assessment and judgment is being spoken of by Jesus Christ. The measure spoken of by Jesus is: How did you view people and their needs? What did you do in behalf of the struggling multitudes? In verses 41-43, Jesus makes this statement: “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.” The implication of His words include: “You cannot plead ignorance - only indifference!” Jesus wants His people - His Church - to be sensitive toward others in His World. His commission included that we all should have His worldview and a readiness to be engaged in reaching others for Him. The need is great and the task is daunting. Jesus knew that it would be that way. He still wants His people to do as much good as they can for as many as they can - for as long as they can. He sees and knows if you - if we - are involved in this way as He wants you/us to be. Consider these things with me.