In the footsteps of … Elmo?!

When it comes to caring about others, the Bible points us to the example that we, as Christians, must follow:

“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps,” 1 Peter 2:21.

A problem with many who profess to follow Jesus is that it’s often not in His footsteps that we try to walk through this world.

We got a little better during the pandemic about caring for the needs of others, partly because there was persistent public encouragement to “check in” on family, friends, co-workers, and others to see how they were doing.

Well, last month a “celebrity” of sorts used his X account to publicly “check in” on how his followers were doing; that “celebrity” was Elmo, the “famous” red Muppet who lives on Sesame Street. The response to a tweet on the X (formerly known as “Twitter”) account of a muppet was an avalanche of people sharing their worries and anxiety about what’s happening in their lives (you can read more about that here and elsewhere on various websites).

For a couple weeks after, media of all sorts raved about the huge response to a query initiated by a muppet. It was a story because it hinted at just how great the mental health crisis is in America, AND our need to not only “check in” on others, but to care about their answers.

As Christ’s church, tasked with a greater feat than following the example of a furry red muppet, but actually following in the footsteps of Jesus, we’re lagging in living out the genuine care and compassion that were constant characteristics of Christ.

Why?

Here are three reasons why some Christians might struggle to consistently express concern for others, as well as some tips for improvement. Note that these do not apply to all Christians, there are many wonderfully compassionate individuals within the faith, but many of us can improve our followership of Jesus when it comes to genuinely caring for others:

1. Preoccupation with self/inward focus.
Sometimes, Christians can become too focused on their personal spiritual growth or the internal concerns of their church. This inward perspective can overshadow the outward call to love one’s neighbor.

Tip: Remind yourself of Christ’s emphasis on caring for the “least of these” (Matthew 25:40). Consider practical ways to serve your community and engage with those in need.

2. Judgmentalism and a focus on sin.
It’s unfortunate, but some Christians can harbor a judgmental attitude towards those they perceive as living in sin. This can create a barrier to empathy and hinder genuine expressions of concern.

Tip: Remember that Christians are sinners who have been saved by grace (Romans 3:23). Instead of focusing solely on others’ shortcomings, extend the same compassion and understanding God has extended to you.

3. Burnout and overwhelm.
The world’s needs are vast, and sometimes Christians can feel overwhelmed or defeated. This can lead to disengagement and a lessened expression of care.

Tip: Start small. Focus on acts of caring and compassion in your immediate environment. Remember, even small gestures of love and support can make a difference.

The needs are great, and you can’t meet all of them. But you can do what you can, with who you are and what you have, and God can produce amazing fruit from that! So, be encouraged with this writing from the Apostle Paul: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up,” Galatians 6:9.

Scotty