The Cost of Standing Aside

Standing by while others suffer may feel harmless, but the cost of standing aside is measured in missed compassion and ignored responsibility before God.

“On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them” (Obadiah 1:11).

God warned Edom that He was upset. Why? Because they “stood aloof” while Israel experienced their time of greatest need. Instead of being concerned when Israel was invaded, Edom refused to lift a finger to help.

They thought they were immune from the problems in the world. “Who will bring me down to the ground?” (v. 3).

But God knew what they were doing and told them that the day was near when they would be judged. They would be rewarded based on their actions and attitude toward others: “As you have done, it shall be done to you” (v. 15).

Today, many Christians stand aloof from the troubles in the world. Rather than being concerned, they don’t allow God to give them compassion for the lost. They are content to enjoy their own lives and focus on their own interests. They don’t want to get involved and are filled with apathy. But they do not realize that this attitude is not acceptable to God.

Right now, millions of people around the world are dying in sin. Many are suffering and dying with disease and hunger. Don’t stay aloof or refuse to lift a finger to help.

God has blessed you, so you can be a blessing to others. Ask Him to fill you with compassion for the lost. Use the time, talents, and treasures you have been given to reach souls for His Kingdom.

Reflection Question: Where is God prompting you to move instead of remain distant?