Perhaps the strongest words to describe insignificance is the question "Who cares?". Those people or things that we are concerned about are also those people or things that we care about. Some people have a large list and some have a very short list, often based on their level of compassion. The economic impact of the recent recession and resulting high unemployment makes this Christmas season an important one for those who desire to help. The Washington Times reported on 11/23/09 that some corporations and businesses are canceling holiday celebrations and donating the money used for parties to help charity groups. The national community relations head for the Salvation Army reported they are getting a 300 percent increase in demand for short-term emergency care in some communities. Harris Interactive released a poll this month that said just 38% of Americans will be giving to charity during the holidays compared to 49% last year. Economists forecast that average consumers will spend $740 on Christmas gifts for their friends and family, down from $801 last year according to the Gallup organization.
The Circle K Gulf Coast business unit is hosting a week of "Caring and Sharing" starting December 7th. Activities include specific needy family gift giving, a day serving at a local charity, a day of health screening, and other community involvement interaction that communicates caring to those giving and receiving. Perdido Bay Baptist Church is ramping up the Food Bank ministry and adding Christmas food baskets to the normal distribution but greatly expanding the quantity of families getting assistance. The church also hosted an inaugural "GriefShare" seminar to encourage and provide advise for those who face the holidays after a loss. There are many examples where you live as well, but the point is the needs are at all-time high and the resources are at an all-time low. Caring is more than feeling, it is expressed in actions. The dictionary definition of compassion is - sorrow for the distress or misfortunes of another, with the desire to help. A recent example reported in the media was an action by basketball superstar Shaquille O'Neal who paid for the funeral of a small girl who was killed after being sold by her drug addicted mother.
My daughter is employed by Cross International, an organization focused on offsetting the result of extreme poverty throughout the world. Check their website at:http://www.crossinternational.org/ for opportunities to make a difference between life and death for someone, rather than between a bad year and a good year. Ephesians 4:32 says "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you." Yes, those in extreme poverty are viewed by God to be the same as you (just with fewer resources). In the sermon on the mount in Matthew, Jesus said "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear......But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well". Lack of caring is caused by a hard heart. Proverbs 28:14 says "Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble." Deuteronomy 15:7 says "...do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother." Hebrews 3:8 quotes the Holy Spirit and says do not harden your hearts as you did in rebellion.
If you are that average consumer mentioned in the paper who plans to reduce Christmas gift spending by $61, consider an even more impactful change this year. Create your own care and share week, or find a worthy charity that needs more resources, or recognize a need that should to be met in a far land. Ask your friends and family to join in and exchange stories of what you did to meet a need, instead of as many packages full of wants. You can still spend less money and based on recent shopping tours, you might even spend less time. If you just don't care, I'd ask that you follow the wise advise of our pastor, who said "pray for a burden". Hard hearts come from focusing on ourselves and our desires. 1st Timothy 5:4 cautions to put family first: "but if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God". The wisdom of caring is available this Christmas season. James 1:5 says "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God,who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him".
