Wednesday's Devotion: Going a Different Route

Deuteronomy 15:7 (MSG) "When you happen on someone who's in trouble or needs help among your people with whom you live in this land that God, your God, is giving you, don't look the other way pretending you don't see him. Don't keep a tight grip on your purse.

I know that my back is out of alignment because I often find myself running with one hand on my hip unconsciously trying to balance myself.  Some friends recommended their chiropractor on West Ponce de Leon in Decatur.  It’s been years since I’ve been to one but have been helped a lot in the past by them.  I’ve tried several different routes to get there and back.  My Tom-tom sends me out Freedom Parkway then down Ponce to West Ponce.  It takes me through a ritzy section with large, expensive old homes like Lullwater Estate set on beautiful grounds.  Another route takes me out I-20 to Maynard Terrace and then through some modest and poor neighborhoods on the way to West Ponce.  It brings me in on the “other side” of the railroad tracks as the old saying goes.  Which route do I favor?  The second one is my choice.  I think we get good at isolating ourselves from the poor and when we do we begin to feel privileged and forget how blessed we are compared to the majority of the world’s population.  That route helps keep me real just like walking in cemeteries (something else I like to do) reminds me that death is the great equalizer.  It’s not what we have, but how we treat others that will be the ultimate judge of our character. 

Dear Lord, Open our eyes that we may see what we would rather not see.  Take our paths out of our nice little neighborhoods to places where people need to be the recipients of care and compassion.  Help us to put on the loving heart of Christ.  We ask in his name. Amen.