Sympathy,
Empathy, or Apathy?
We live in the “information age.” So much information bombards our senses that it is sometimes hard to process. Bill boards, flashing signs, radio, television, internet connections, news media, fax machines. Everywhere we turn, someone or something is trying to get our attention, or sell something, or simply give information. Over the last 100 years the increase in the amount of info that hits our senses has become simply overwhelming.

What happens to our minds when constantly bombarded with info? They tune out, become conditioned, or simply shut down. We watch the news yet again, just to see more killings in Africa, Chechnya, or Kosovo. An airplane is hijacked to Pakistan. Click. Just change the channel. It doesn’t mean much to us unless it hits close to home.

A major storm hits the East Coast. Tornadoes in the Midwest. A bomb blast on a ferry kills 20 in the Philippines. Click. Just change the channel again. At first it was shocking, then it was tragic—eventually it became a mere yawn. People today have so much info coming in that they have forgotten how to simply stop and think! How long has it been since you took the time (or had the time) to really meditate on something without being distracted by something else?

It seems that many people are so conditioned that they can watch hunger, strife, disasters, and even war, like watching a football game or a movie. Speaking of football—many get into their nice cars and drive to the local grocers where endless rows of food are displayed for their choosing. Purchase the food that satisfies the appetite. Go home and watch football, drink beer and eat. Is the “information age” benumbing our sensibilities and destroying sympathy for others? Have we slipped into mere empathy, or is it even blatant apathy?

I wonder how Jesus feels about all the things happening in the world? Being Creator, Sustainer, and Mediator for the whole planet, I’m sure He longs to see all this suffering and sin come to an end. He longs to do something to make a difference in the lives of the poor helpless souls of this planet. How about us? Those who are filled with His Spirit will truly sympathize with the needs of humanity just as He does. This is called Christianity. Is it any wonder that we are counseled to meditate daily on the life of Christ, especially the closing scenes (Lift Him Up, p. 227, Gospel Workers, p.246). Take time to think today. Do not let the “information age” cause your heart to “wax cold.” (Matthew 24:12). See how you can make a difference. Touch the life of someone else. Share what Christ has done for you.

He longs to do something to make a difference in the lives of the poor helpless souls of this planet