Part twelve of our new Missions Matter Series, come back each week to find out more about serving those around your home and community as well as around the world. God has given us the power to be His witnesses! Start today…

By Heather Radu –

I love music. I suspect you do too, since it’s a pretty common love. Whether you love buying new songs and albums or you would rather just listen to what’s on the radio, you probably enjoy a good song. The beautiful melodies, fun rhythms, and meaningful words make music a worthwhile passed time.

One of the exciting things about living in this time is that many of us can listen to our favorite music whenever we want. For some of us, though, those devices we carry around—the ones that give us constant access to our music—become a problem. And it’s not just music-related. The problem can arise from any sort of entertainment or hobby.

Have you ever seen someone walking down the street staring at a phone, earbuds firmly stuffed into their ears? I know I have. They look a little distracted, don’t they? While I have no problem with music or games or social media, I’m afraid they are keeping us from connecting to those who need us.

The poor, I believe, are treated like their invisible at the best of times, so it is important for us to keep the gift of technology from making them even more invisible. I am reminded of the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, when Lazarus ate from the crumbs of the rich man’s table. The rich man could have shared anything with Lazarus, but he was too busy to notice the beggar who needed him.

The same can be true of us. Sometimes we cut ourselves off from people so completely from others that we wouldn’t know their needs were written in bright letters. It becomes worse if we are so preoccupied with the things we want to hear, read, or watch that we cut ourselves off from others.

Here is my encouragement to you. Don’t be like the rich man. Don’t ignore the Lazarus in your life. Instead of allowing yourself to be distracted by entertainment, look around. Talk with the people you see. If you meet them and get to know them, you will not only find out what needs they might have, but might also gain a friend in the process. And when you do that, you can truly show that person the love of Christ.