What should we do if someone honestly answers this question?
By Dean Collins
For nearly two years we have navigated a pandemic. Depending on the day, industry, and geography, we have all bounced in and out of health risks, supply-chain problems, and worries with economic stability. Regardless of opinion on vaccinations or politics, we have all been impacted and some to the point of death. So here is the question that gets to the root of the problem and the opportunity confronting us in 2022. This year are you going to ask your friends and colleagues, “How are you?”
More than hello?
Where I live, maybe where you live, too, asking “How are you?” is the equivalent of a simple “hello.” And the answer is supposed to be “Fine,” even if a tree fell on your car or your kid just flunked out of school. Where I live, maybe where you live, too, people know better than to give any details about their lives when they are greeted with “How are you”!
But if we claim Jesus as our king and follow his standard for loving our neighbors, it seems we probably should ask the how-are-you question with a genuine desire to know the answer. This will lead to a problem and opportunity.
How will I respond?
Nehemiah faced this same situation. When Nehemiah’s brother arrived in Susa after spending time in Judah, Nehemiah asked about the Jews who had survived the exile and the destruction of Jerusalem. The response wasn’t, “It’s fine.” The response was that those who had survived the exile were in great trouble and shame.
Nehemiah had the same options we have if someone dares honestly answer the how-are-you question:
A. Pretend we didn’t hear their news and move on
B. Ignore what they said
C. Say “That’s too bad” or “I am sorry”
D. Send some money
E. Say we will be praying for you
I suspect like me you have done all of the above many times. Sometimes someone’s response has prompted us to do what Nehemiah did. Nehemiah sat down and mourned with weeping over the situation of Jerusalem and the plight of the people who lived there. And then, even though he had given no promise that we know of to pray, he did pray and fast before the God of Heaven.
So here is a question we must consider as we begin the new year: Will I pray when I learn that someone is struggling? Will I fast? Will I seek God’s will for the people and problems I’ve discovered?
What does God want?
I suspect that praying before we choose to get involved is a very good idea. Yes, we must have compassion for others. But what we must start doing more is simply asking God what he wants from us in each situation. I am confident of this. God doesn’t want you to fix every problem you learn about. In the kingdom of God, we all have assignments. Some of us are called together to solve or help. Sometimes it’s an individual assignment. And only with prayer can we determine what is our right and proper response.
The Holy Spirit may nudge immediately, or he may take time while he changes our heart and prepares us and others for what is next.
As we begin 2022, I think we probably should ask each other the how-are-you question and pray for each other when we hear an honest answer. If we do this, I’m sure God will direct our paths and accomplish his will in our lives more fully this year.
Your time with God’s Word
Nehemiah 1:1-4 ESV
Photo by Eva Elijas from Pexels
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