Sunday, December 15, 2013
Sometimes others say it much better then I ever could. Such is the case with this post written by a young courageous wise hearted women, Abbi Jean Short.
The age of the selfie
"Selfie" is a pretty good description of what's on most of our minds.
Oxford Dictionaries named "selfie" the 2013 "word of the year."*
While we're taking pictures of ourselves, there are 870 million* people in the world who are hungry.
While we're buying a venti at Starbucks for $4.45,almost half the world, over three billion people*, are living on less than $2.50 a day.
While we're deciding which of the 52 churches in our community we'd like to attend, 2.9 billion people in the world have no idea that they have a Creator who has a Son. There's some balance that's clearly a little off.
Oxford Dictionaries named "selfie" the 2013 "word of the year."*
While we're taking pictures of ourselves, there are 870 million* people in the world who are hungry.
While we're buying a venti at Starbucks for $4.45,almost half the world, over three billion people*, are living on less than $2.50 a day.
While we're deciding which of the 52 churches in our community we'd like to attend, 2.9 billion people in the world have no idea that they have a Creator who has a Son. There's some balance that's clearly a little off.
I love America, I love Americans, I love having plenty of food to eat, I love churches.
God bless developed nations.
What I do not love, however, is that while many of us Americans come up with new extra things to burn our money on to make our lives a little more comfortable, our faces a little bit less flawed, our appetites a little more satisfied, other people are drawing their last breath because they don't have food to eat, without having ever heard the name of Jesus.
What are we going to do?
The One I'm serving, Jesus is His Name, told me that the way things are right now is how He knew they'd get.
But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good,…-2 Timothy 3:1-3
God bless developed nations.
What I do not love, however, is that while many of us Americans come up with new extra things to burn our money on to make our lives a little more comfortable, our faces a little bit less flawed, our appetites a little more satisfied, other people are drawing their last breath because they don't have food to eat, without having ever heard the name of Jesus.
What are we going to do?
The One I'm serving, Jesus is His Name, told me that the way things are right now is how He knew they'd get.
But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good,…-2 Timothy 3:1-3
Aren't we all a bunch of lovers of ourselves? Lord, help us.
If American young people spent as much time praying for the nations as they did taking pictures of themselves, the 2.9 billion who have not heard the Gospel would probably have already heard it.
When is the last time you spent an entire day thinking about things that really mattered? It's possible that you have never had such a day. Let's ask Jesus to give us more days like that and less days staring at our selfish selves. Let's put down the cameras that we're holding up in front of our faces and get down on our knees before our Holy God.
If American young people spent as much time praying for the nations as they did taking pictures of themselves, the 2.9 billion who have not heard the Gospel would probably have already heard it.
When is the last time you spent an entire day thinking about things that really mattered? It's possible that you have never had such a day. Let's ask Jesus to give us more days like that and less days staring at our selfish selves. Let's put down the cameras that we're holding up in front of our faces and get down on our knees before our Holy God.
He's got some things He wants us to accomplish on the earth, and some people He wants us to love.
When we listen, He guides us. I believe He will always guide us away from "selfie
When we listen, He guides us. I believe He will always guide us away from "selfie
'If American young people spent as much time praying for the nations as they did taking pictures of themselves, the 2.9 billion who have not heard the Gospel would probably have already heard it.' - now isn't that a line to give pause for thought. The shame of it is the self-oriented society in which we live in the west is damaging in a number of ways. It's not healthy for our attentions and energies to be turned so excessively inward, as the continuingly increasing sales of anti-depressants proves. We need to serve, give and love more than we know. To give blesses the giver as much as it serves the recipient and as long as we follow a culture geared toward consuming and acquiring we will not find the contentment everyone is so intent on discovering. Happiness comes from seeking the good of others, not focusing on ourselves.
ReplyDeleteGood points Micah, and thanks for stopping by my site. One of the things that is so over whelming still to me is when I walk in the neighbor I can't help but notice how full everyone garages are with stuff. As we think again about moving due to our condo selling we are once again downsizing. Through the years all the moving has taught me to not be so sentimental about thing, they certainly will not follow me to heaven. You are so right where happiness comes from.
ReplyDeleteWow… That hit right between the eyes and ears. Awesome post and sad truth. We're called to love our enemies, how much more are we called to help the ones who can't help themselves. I'm convicted. Got me thinking.
ReplyDeleteWow… That hit right between the eyes and ears. Awesome post and sad truth. We're called to love our enemies, how much more are we called to help the ones who can't help themselves. I'm convicted. Got me thinking.
ReplyDeleteThats exactly how it hit me too Floyd...right smack in the eyes of my heart. I love, love, love these young ones who give their youth for a greater cause then themselves. It gives me cold chills to think about how the angels rejoice as one of those little ones come to Jesus through another young one. There are so many out there just wanting alittle touch of love from somebody. I am grateful for some neighbors who knew the state of our homelife and risk their live to give us love. My Dad was known for taking his shotgun out side and shooting toward these neighbors house. God give me this kind of boldness here in America.
ReplyDeleteOuch - first read is painful, but accurate. Truth is like that - it will set you free, but there is nothing that promises it won't hurt in the process.
ReplyDeleteWell written - thanks for sharing, Betty!
So very true, truth does hurt then releasing us to obey. Thanks for stopping by my site Rick.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great reminder that we need to get our focus off of our selves and onto Jesus and others.
ReplyDeleteCaleb that is exactly how I felt when I read it...what a challenge. Wondered how you and family were doing as you settled back into the land of over abundance. Pray all is well brother.
ReplyDeleteI am in a church full of 20 and 30 nyear olds who are self-less. Its amzing and gives me hope, despite what i see around me in the culture at large. Very well written post
ReplyDeleteDavid those selfless churches are hard to find. I have a few young friend who live for others and it such an encouragement in this day and age. there is a young married woman in Kentucky who is knocking people socks off by her selfless living. She is bringing others along side for her to mentor. Another courageous wise hearted women.
ReplyDeleteBetty, I didn't realize you were a blogger until i just saw a link to your blog on Caleb's blog! We have family in both Minnesota and North Dakota. Your condo must be cute - I hope you aren't too sad to think about leaving it!
ReplyDeleteSelfie, isn't that a perfect word to reveal to us that we are in the last of the last days. To me, the word is just creepy and slimy, but it is what define us. :(
ReplyDeleteIt would be cool if we could make 2014's word to be selfless.
Thanks for sharing, you have many good points that I will be taking to Father in prayer.
Blessings,
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