It costs to care... and not to care
As England counts the cost of the riots many of us are waking up to the reality that not caring for our youth for generations is going to cost us more than we think. Do yourself a favour and read these two articles (1, 2) on the Psychology of the Rioters. Here is a gripping line from one:
"Walk on the estate stairwells with your baby in a buggy manoeuvring past the condoms, the needles, into the lift where the best outcome is that you will survive the urine stench and the worst is that you will be raped . . . It's not one occasional attack on dignity, it's a repeated humiliation, being continuously dispossessed in a society rich with possession. Young, intelligent citizens of the ghetto seek an explanation for why they are at the receiving end of bleak Britain, condemned to a darkness where their humanity is not even valued enough to be helped."
Bible
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a sinner." Luke 19:5-7 - It cost Jesus to care for Zacchaeus. This man stole from people and everyone knew it. When Jesus associated himself with him, he lost a lot of social credit.
- But when Jesus died for him, and the sinner on the cross next to him and for you and me - he lost everything.
- With his death he founded a community of people (the church) where the outsiders are supposed to be included - to be cared for. Will the church be that community?
Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, as we see the looters on our TV screens we feel no sympathy for them at all. Help us to see how our own lack of care and community has encouraged them to give themselves over to sin. Please help us to care - for people that we don't feel deserve it. We know we didn't deserve your care... but you cared enough for us to die. Amen
Regards,
Kruger
| |
Comments