In an hour or so they’re going to arrive at their church this Sunday morning, there will be smiles, hugs and handshakes, cordial greetings accompanied by inconsequential banter about the weather, the latest news of the community, of the world.
They will sit politely, almost reverentially, bow their heads when required, sing with exuberance, listen to the one behind the pulpit as he gives what he believes is important for them to hear. And then, just as it did when they first arrived, the topics as they leave will revolve around themselves and the world around them.
“He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” (Mark 7:6)
Ask almost any of them about how the Lord has used them the previous week for His glory, ask them about the temptations of our adversary they are facing, the sins they are battling with, ask them anything of a deeply personal nature and most times you will not hear them sharing these parts of their lives, you will not hear them asking you to pray for them about a specific item they are experiencing, they will not open up and ask you to help them carry those burdens.
My friends, anytime that you want to be ostracized, be made to feel as if you are delving into a person’s life where you have no right to be, anytime you want to reveal the love of Christ to someone, to show true love, care and concern for them and receive instead what is called the “cold shoulder,” simple ask personal questions of those you meet.
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2)
In words that will never be expressed exactly like this, they will respond with, “Mind your own business.”
They will do so with a smile, an anxious laugh, lessoning any possible confrontations that could possibly create a gulf between you and them, but rarely will you ever hear, “Thank you, yes please, I need help and prayers with something I am going through.”
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)
And so they pray for release, for the pressure to subside, they pray for help from the Almighty, and when He sends a brother or sister in Christ to assist them, to bear that burden for them, they resist. They wanted an answer, they seek His mercies, but they refuse to accept that the Lord’s direct intervention to their pleas comes from the one sitting right beside them in the pew.
Oh, my friends, we are so far from those first century Christians that they would not even recognize us as brothers and sisters in Christ.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Phil. 4:13)
Yep, and we don’t need the help of anyone else to do so, do we?
We have the Holy Spirit within us, and that is all we need. Never mind that there are others around us who also have His Spirit within them, that the Holy Spirit would be more than willing to assist you in whatever manner you need from that brother or sister. We can handle it ourselves because God is for me, right?
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” (Matt. 24:12)
Would you care to know why those hearts are growing cold? Reread this letter and you will find your answer.
Selfish, self-centered people do not ask personal questions of those they meet, they do not care how you feel, what’s going on in your life, if you need any help with anything. But selfish, self-centered people when asked if they need help with any burden in their life so that they can stand against the wiles of our enemy and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord always answer with,
“No, I’m fine, thanks anyway.”
