JUST Scripture Being Fulfilled?
A few days ago I was part of an unfortunate discussion about the Chile earthquake and the Haiti disaster. As we talked about the death toll and the disturbing photos of the disaster, one lady flippantly remarked “It’s just scripture being fulfilled”. Her comment bothered me so much that I literally had to walk out of the room. It was a combination of the way she said it and the blatant lack of compassion that shocked me. The thing that bothers me the most is that I’ve made similar statements in the past.
Ironic. When it’s our American children dying, the devil gets all the blame. But overseas disasters are just God’s way of getting me to heaven faster?
What about the fulfillment of some other scriptures? 1 John 3:17 “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” OR Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Sadly, it seems like we prefer the fulfillment of the scriptures that don’t require anything of us.
In a world that is more connected than ever before, it’s still easy to disconnect ourselves from the sufferings of others.
If you would like to donate to a great organization providing spiritual, emotional, and physical relief to those in Haiti and around the world, visit Convoy Of Hope here.
What do YOU think? Do you think I’m over-reacting? Any other charities or ways you would suggest to get involved?
My name is Ricky Patrick. I write because I think. I post those thoughts online to make you think. So read often and comment freely. Thanks for visiting.
rdpatrick
3 Mar, 2010
ARE the Haiti/Chile disasters JUST scripture being fulfilled? http://bit.ly/aqnPoy
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
rdpatrick
3 Mar, 2010
RE-POST Are the Haiti/Chile disasters JUST scripture being fulfilled? http://bit.ly/aqnPoy
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
linlou5
3 Mar, 2010
A must read: http://www.rickypatrick.com/blog/?p=566
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
linlou5
3 Mar, 2010
My blood pressure went up about 20 points reading this blog! I think you have honed in on one of the biggest reasons we are not more effective as the Body of Christ! It's amazing how often we feel relief that devastation happens to someone else, somehow making it irrelevant to us. We forget that Jesus wept over Jerusalem, that he who lends to the poor lends to the Lord, that Jesus said what you have done to the least of these you have done to Jesus, Himself. *Sigh* I'll leave you with James 2:13…For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
rickypatrick
3 Mar, 2010
Well said! It bothers me that it doesn't bother me like it should. Thanks for reading, retweeting,and commenting!
Andrew Frederick
3 Mar, 2010
This bugs me to no end. We live in a world that grows smaller by the minute. The mass connections that are formed should make everyone more culturally aware. In doing this we are better able to understand each other and should make for a more successful world in general. Yet what I consistently see is an increase in narrow-mindedness and pompous, self righteous attitudes. It makes me feel angry and sad that so many people who are so fortunate to be born into such blessings will look down so on fellow human beings. It is my belief that so many of us were born into such blessings so that we could help those who were not.
rickypatrick
3 Mar, 2010
Yes I agree. We are blessed to be a blessing, not to consume.
guy
4 Mar, 2010
well said. and i agree. i don't hurt enough about it either.
rickypatrick
4 Mar, 2010
Thanks for reading and commenting.
vickbo82
11 Mar, 2010
Absolutely true, Rick! Man . . . just read this post from about a week ago and I can still hear people pukering up! Well said! I think this demands a re-evaluation of our definitions of “connection.” We want to be proud of the number of people we are “connected” to via the internet, Twitter, Facebook or MySpace, etc. But until we can share in rejoicing and mourning with others, our good intentions and Christian-isms are a waste of good breath!
rickypatrick
11 Mar, 2010
Yeah I agree Vick. I think the full effect of these faux-connections has yet to be seen. I'm all for tech but it should add to relationships not tale away from them. Thanks for reading!
anessaback
15 Mar, 2010
Everyone also needs to be aware that th
Paul B
28 Mar, 2010
This article really made me think.
Ricky
28 Mar, 2010
Thank You!