Some folks’ world is war torn; some folks’ world is fine
This planet makes no sense to the untrained mind
Some folks hope for fortune; some folks hope to die
We all see our fate through our own two eyes
And when it’s day to me it’s night to someone
And when it’s night you may not want to go on
Some folks eat what flies leave; they get what they can take
Hunger has no heart and it will not wait
Rain can ruin your weekend, or rain can spare your life
Depending on who you are and what your thirst is like
All folks’ days are numbered; most folks do not care
No one calls the coin when it’s in the air
Some folks taste of heaven; some folks taste of hell
Some folks lose their taste and they cannot tell
And when it’s day to me it’s night to someone
And when it’s night you may not want to go on
Words and music by Mark Heard
Empathy has gotten a bad rap these days especially from some Christians who any other time in history would be known for it. But today there is a movement away from compassion, charity and aid for the less fortunate. It’s shocking to see how much selfishness and lack of genuine concern is going on in the world. Even more shocking when you realize it’s condoned by leaders and even encouraged by them. It’s like the wealthy and well off are going, “It’s our turn now!” It’s actually fashionable to be selfish and isolated from the pain and suffering in the world.
Jesus gave us a different example. He was all about everyone else. The sick and the demon possessed pulled at His heart. He healed all who came to Him. He never pushed anyone away. He wept over Jerusalem, He felt the touch of a woman’s issue of blood, He made time for the children, He had compassion on the multitude because they hadn’t had anything to eat all day. Jesus was too busy being concerned about everyone else to be concerned for Himself.
We’ve got to pick up the heartbeat of Jesus here and shun current trends. Part of Grace Turned Outward is the ability to stand in other peoples’ shoes and look through other peoples’ eyes. That is part of the nature of grace. Once you have it, it’s for everyone else.
Listen to “Some Folks’ World”
“It’s shocking to see how much selfishness and lack of genuine concern is going on in the world.”
Reading those words, John, made me think that it shouldn’t be at all shocking since this has always been the template of sin since before Cain murdered Abel.
And then I got all smug and rewrote your sentence so that it read:
It’s shocking to see how much selfishness and lack of genuine concern is going on in the Church.
And then I got convicted and realized the sentence should really say:
It’s shocking to see how much selfishness and lack of genuine concern is going on inside of me.
Ouch.
Please forgive me, Father, for my smugness, pride, self-righteousness, hard heart, finger pointing, wicked judgement, and lack of compassion.
Here am I Jesus.
Send me.
Shalom, Peace…
Yes, Bob. I often find myself going through a similar pattern of events starting with judgments and ending up with me. It’s ok. It’s the right progression.
Reminds me of Petra’s song Hollow Eyes.
I think we are all guilty, different ways, different times, situations. Times are more difficult now for everyone and human nature is such that I immediately look to circle the wagons, keep the bad stuff at bay, and foolishly try to protect what I (foolishly again) think is mine. Being a widow is still new to me. Being alone has made me timid in a way that is foreign to me. So I get selfish…