Exactly 500 years ago, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses on the chapel door in Wittenberg, Germany. He made a profound statement, and was excommunicated for it, but his actions changed the world.

In honor of his contribution to the Protestant Reformation, here are four things that are causing great angst, anger and apathy. While this short blog in no way compares to Luther’s list and its impact, it is an opportunity to reflect and encourage repentance, our lives, in our homes, and in our schools. 

1. Self-Centeredness

Today’s technology and social media are creating a highly self-centered society. Is there any more common indicator than the “selfie” posted on social media? It is a statement of “Hey! Look at me.” To make matters worse, the posts get “Likes,” “Loves” and “HaHas” that only encourages this behavior.

Contrast this behavior with the Greatest Commandment. We are to love God “with all of [our] heart and with all [our] soul and with all [our] mind” (Matt. 22:37). However, our self-centered nature temps us to love ourselves in all of those areas and with all of our gusto.

This self-centeredness is the root cause of our ills today. The first step is for each of us to start focusing less on ourselves, and focus more on “things above.”

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:2

2. Hyper-Sensitivity

Our First Amendment protects our right to freedom of speech, but firstly, and more importantly, it protects our right to freedom of religion. However, today, many feel they have a “right” to not be offended, and thus speech or religion should be restricted.

The problem is not that the right to not be offended isn’t in the Bill of Rights, but that it is an extension of the hyper-sensitive culture. Additionally, being offended does not consider the viewpoint of the alleged offender.

Gone are the days of teaching the Golden Rule; now teaching focuses on a child’s self-confidence. However, focusing on a child’s self confidence only reinforces self-centeredness and hypersensitivity.

The “second” greatest commandment desperately needs to be taught. Loving “your neighbor as yourself” (Matt 22:39) can mean many things, but it most certainly does not include “because I was offended.”

Give others the benefit of the doubt. Consider their point of view and engage in a respectful discussion. And most importantly, forgive them if necessary. After all, isn’t this how you would like to be “loved?”

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value other above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

3. Security Over Liberty

Benjamin Frankly famously said, “Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” While wanting a secure and stable environment is understandable, the question is, “to what end?”

If you are guarded and overly protective, you will react accordingly. This is merely a continuation of the self-centered mindset, “I don’t care about you and your wants/needs. I’m looking out for myself.”

Not only should we value others above ourselves, but we should be willing to take risks. Get out live. Imagine where we would be if the Wright Brothers didn’t take a risk. Would we have made it to the moon if Chuck Yeager didn’t push the sound barrier envelope? Would the Nazis have been defeated if so many weren’t willing to risk their lives on D-Day?

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.” John 15:13

4. Wanting Prosperity While Acting Irresponsibly

Another temptation for us is to want things that we cannot afford. The newest cell phones have impressive new technology. Expensive cars and houses make us feel as if we have succeeded and accomplished something. We want prosperity; however, many times we are acting irresponsibly.

We can easily overspend on worthless things. It is estimated that Americans will spend $350 million this year on costumes…for their pets! Can you think of a more useless expenditure of money?

Truth be told, we have a Halloween costume for our boxer, and I’ve always cringed when she’s wearing it. But when I heard that statistic, I felt ashamed. There are people that are homeless and hungry, and we’re buying dogs and cats Halloween costumes.

So next time you consider a frivolous purchase, consider if there is someone who really needs that money instead.

            “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  2 Corinthians 9:7

In honor of his contribution to the Protestant Reformation, here are four modern day theses regarding issues that are causing great angst, anger and apathy in our society. Martin Luther famously stated, “I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen.” Let us consider the personal stand he made and how powerfully it affected the lives of others.

He revived the scriptures and changed the world. Make the same statement in your sphere of influence. Others will follow and be called higher. We should not accept the perpetual angst, anger and apathy. These can be replaced by “faith, hope and love” (1 Cor. 13:13).