Concern for Others
Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the importance of caring for others by seeking the truth and being aware of their needs.
Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the importance of seeking and facing the truth, even when it may be uncomfortable or burdensome, as ignorance can lead to harm. He contrasts the idea of ignorance and confidence leading to success with the reality that ignorance can indeed be detrimental. Wiersbe highlights the caring heart of Nehemiah, who sought the truth about Jerusalem despite the potential pain of the facts. The sermon challenges listeners to be like Nehemiah, genuinely concerned about others and willing to seek and acknowledge the truth, even in difficult situations.
Text
Some people prefer not to know what's going on, because information might bring obligation. "What you don't know can't hurt you," says the old adage; but is it true? In a letter to a Mrs. Foote, Mark Twain wrote, "All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure." But what we don't know could hurt us a great deal! There are people in the cemetery who chose not to know the truth. The slogan for the 1987 AIDS publicity campaign was "Don't die of ignorance"; and that slogan can be applied to many areas of life besides health.
Nehemiah asked about Jerusalem and the Jews living there because he had a caring heart. When we truly care about people, we want the facts, no matter how painful they may be. "Practical politics consists in ignoring facts," American historian Henry Adams said; but Aldous Huxley said, "Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored." Closing our eyes and ears to the truth could be the first step toward tragedy for ourselves as well as for others.
Are we like Nehemiah, anxious to know the truth even about the worst situations? Is our interest born of concern or idle curiosity? When we read missionary prayer letters, the news in religious periodicals, or even our church's ministry reports, do we want the facts, and do the facts burden us? Are we the kind of people who care enough to ask?
Think about it: "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Phil. 2:4, niv).
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the importance of knowing the truth
- The dangers of ignorance
- Historical perspectives on knowledge and ignorance
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II
- Nehemiah's example of caring for others
- The significance of asking about others' situations
- Distinguishing concern from curiosity
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III
- The call to look out for others' interests
- Practical applications of caring for others
- The impact of our concern on the community
Key Quotes
“'What you don't know can't hurt you'” — Warren Wiersbe
“'Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others' (Phil. 2:4, niv)” — Warren Wiersbe
“'Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.'” — Warren Wiersbe
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to inquire about the struggles of those around you.
- Reflect on how your actions can impact the community positively.
- Commit to prioritizing the needs of others in your daily life.