How come?

Ephesians 5:14-17 (NIV)

14 This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,

    rise from the dead,

    and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 

16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 

17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

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 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 center, 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.

Dear Lord, help us to remember our priorities when facing the things of this world. Help us look to You for the wisdom for how we should respond. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.