January 27, 2007

Our Self-absorbed Society...

I was reading a book by Timothy Zahn the other day called Manta's Gift. The book is about a 20-something quadriplegic young man named Matt(?) Raimey who (for the cause of science) was born as an alien ( i know, it was a bit weird, but there's a point to this, I promise). Raimey had run into a tree while showing off for his girl-friend, killing her, and confining him to a wheel chair for the rest of his human existence. As a result, Raimey is a self-centered, arrogant jerk who (because he is the first human re-born as an alien) thinks the universe should revolve around him.

Now, to the point. We live in a self-absorbed society. The evidence is everywhere. Marriages falling apart because of "irreconcilable differences," arrogant teenagers who think their parents "owe" them something. The whole "American Dream" of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" (at least as we see it today) is centered around the individual. Americans are so arrogant that we think everyone else should learn to speak English: "show me someone who's monolingual," said one person, "and I'll show you an American."

Raimey eventually overcomes his human tendency for self-centered-ness, and accepts responsibility for his actions. It is then, and only then, that he is able to contribute to his new society, even going so far as intending to make the ultimate sacrifice.

As Christians, we too have been reborn as something else: a new creation. We must step outside ourselves and see the world that is dieing all around us. Only then can we accomplish what God wants for all his children and we will live in obedience and in His peace.