Who or what should be in the center?
Text: “The next day he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming to him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the WORLD!'” John 1:29 and “The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I AM the foremost of sinners;'”
1 Timothy 1:15. (Emphasis mine.)
As we are celebrating World Communion Sunday on the first Sunday in October we must feel the double pressure; on one hand the great need for bringing this fragmented world closer together and on the other hand, many people are indifferent about world-wide issues. Can we subdue our personal ideas and assign a higher priority to global concerns?
THE WORLD AND I OR I AND THE WORLD?
Pay attention to the two quotations, what is or who are in the center? “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the WORLD” and “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I AM the foremost of sinners.”
What is your attitude toward the world, namely the people, crowds, multitudes, and the unknown millions living on other continents? Many feel they do not have to be concerned about or care for others whom they do not know, have never seen, and live thousands of miles away. A double question will hit the nail on the head-what does the world owe you and what do you owe the world?
The eye-opening question from God and Cain’s guilt-ridden reply is a reminder for us: “Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is Abel your brother?’ Cain answered: ‘I do not know, am I my brother’s keeper?'” Genesis 4:9.
IF THIS IS THE OLD BIBLICAL THEORY THEN WHAT IS THE PRACTICAL SOLUTION TODAY?
GLOBAL VIEW.
Is it possible to think in terms of nation, society, and mankind? How fast are we depleting the energy supply? What will remain for the next generations? How do we treat Mother Nature? Will air and water pollution reach a level that it will be dangerous to breathe and drink? Can a few have an easy and comfortable life without putting an extra burden on others?
LOCAL ACTION and involvement. It is true that one or a couple of people cannot turn the world around, however, a few dedicated people can motivate others and the impact of the positive influence will become noticeable in the community. Many local projects can be traced back to global concern.
INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY and commitment. Do only those who volunteer their services feel that they have responsibility? Woe to us if we are responsible only to the government or law enforcement agencies and never to our conscience. This is the point where the human can reach into the divine.
PERSONAL FAITH in God and experiencing His love. When a faithful says, “He touched me . . .” the transformation takes place within. The outside appearance will remain the same; the body may continue to suffer from pains but his/her heart and mind will be reoriented as in Apostle Paul’s case.
FELLOWSHIP AMONG THE BRETHREN will be the fruitful consequence of a purified and reborn heart. Believing in God but not practicing fellowship is like going to the doctor to be healed and not taking the prescribed medicine. Do you feel that you too belong to a group where life is regarded as a precious gift and human existence serves higher goals?
WORLD PEACE. A great paradox prevails in the world. Scientifically, more is continually achieved. Almost every year a great discovery surprises us. New products make our lives easier, however, the relationships among social groups, political parties, tribes, and nations are becoming less friendly and more belligerent. We learn about killings and bombings almost every day.
The Bible sees the connection between us and the world: “. . . and he (Christ) is the expiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:2. Please see also John 4:42 and 1 John 4:14.