And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was
moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep
not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.
Mark 6:34

Jesus was moved with and operated in compassion.
That was his mode.

This unfortunately is in opposition to the way that you and I operate.

So often compassion doesn’t motivate us — convenience does.

Let me explain.

My daughter — as cute as she is, is a sinner.
And that sin manifests itself in her little life quite often.

I like order.
Good behavior.
Quiet.
Peace.

And as long as I get those things — I’m content.

But the problem is me.
I can be completely indifferent to my daughter’s need for salvation
 as long as she behaves and doesn’t bother me too much.

Christians — its very easy to be satisifed with good behavior
and order. 

We can be satisfied with good men
and good society and good government
but be passion-less for the kingdom of God.

Because as long as there is order and other
people’s sin doesn’t inconvenience me or
affect me — I’m content with that.

If my neighbors were criminals
 I might start praying for them
(so that they would get saved and
I could stop worrying).

But as long as they don’t bother me-
it’s really easy to be content with that.

That’s not compassion —
it’s convenience.

That’s the American way –
You can have your liberty as long as
it doesn’t bother me.

But unfortunately, it’s vastly different from the
Savior who came to seek and to save
that which was lost.

We are guilty as the church of
wanting a “Christian” society and
“Christian” children because it’s
orderly, pleasant, easy and we can
do our own thing without being bothered
or burdened.

If the world is lost and it’s hurting us —
we might have to pray.
We might have to evangelize.
We might have to get involved.

And that’s just not convenient.

If our children are lost and wayward
and getting into trouble and we are hurting —
we might have to pray.
We might have to ask others to pray.
We might have to get involved.

And unfortunately, that’s just not convenient.

Oh Lord — forgive our selfishness
and give us a heart that beats 
to the desperate rhythm of
the gospel.