The Danger of Self-Absorption In Our World Today

Bob, the orange and white Manx cat, along with his three litter mates, was born on April 9, 2012. He has matured considerably in two years. His development  over the last couple of years inspired this posting.

The Self-Centeredness of Bob

Each morning I awakened and hurried outside to feed the nine-orphaned kittens whose mothers disappeared - thankfully they were old enough to survive on their own. The half-grown tom cat who showed up was eager to eat also. As soon as Bob, the orange and white bobtail kitten, heard me getting the food for the outside cats, he began meowing almost to the point of caterwauling. It is as if he, the privileged cat, was saying, “Get OUR food! Who cares about those outside cats?”

Bob and Tailer (his brother) had so many perks. They were fed the more expensive food recommended by their veterinarian. Each evening, the two came into the house to eat, play, and then off they went to a comfy night’s sleep in their special kitty condo. Yet there was Bob appearing so deprived.

But aren’t so many American believers much like Bob? Our prayer requests vary from getting the largest offer possible for our home that is on the realty market to having safe trips on our next cruise to helping a child get into the university of his or her choice. Seldom are requests for persecuted Christians in the other parts of the world mentioned.

Yet according to statistics, there were more Christians suffering for their faith in the 20^th century than all other centuries combined (christianity.com). In the 21st century, persecution has increased. Frequently in the last few years, the evening news has opened with a story of gruesome beheadings, usually reserved for believers in Jesus who refuse to recant.
One of the most poignant accounts of persecution and martyrdom has been featured in the devotional book, Extreme Devotion (The Voices of the Martyrs, 2001), a devotional book given to me by my sister. Even though many years have passed since I read this account of North Korean mothers and their children, I never hear, sing, or play “More Love to Thee, O Christ” but what I recall the extreme faith and commitment to Jesus by these stalwart believers. To read a blog posting from VOM (The Voices of the Martyrs) on their website about this North Korean account, click below:

http://www.persecutionblog.com/2011/04/more-love-to-christ.html

I can chuckle about remembering what a demanding kitten Bob was. As he reaches his second birthday, I can attest that he has gained some discipline since he will obey the “stay” command even when he knows I am opening his treats pouch. The vocalization of his previous self-centeredness is practically nonexistent in the manx cat.

Oh that those of us in the western world would repent and turn from some of our self-centeredness and focus on the needs of committed Christians who are standing for their faith in dire and dangerous locations! May we lift them in prayer and remain steadfast in speaking against governments and leaders who disregard human rights. As we continue being vocal about these who are standing for Christ even to their death, may we use our power as Americans for good and begin concurrently to reduce our self-centeredness. I think I’ll follow the birthday cat, Bob, in lessening my preoccupation and self-absorption with my own trivialities, seeking instead to retain an awareness of the plight of other endangered believers around the world. 

O Lord, may we have more love toward You, responding in obedience, with repentance of selfish focusing, and a conscious turning in prayer to address the needs of suffering Christians around the world.