When we see someone else's problem, instead of getting involved or helping them out...sometimes it's easier to look the other way. To do nothing. To ignore it.
But that's not what the Bible says here. Instead, it says when you see an ox or sheep wandering around (insert dog or cat , if it helps you relate better to the story), do not ignore it. Rather, go and find it's owner. And if you don't know who it belongs to, take it home with you. Give it food, water, and a bath! Then, when the owner comes, give it back to them gladly.
3 times in 4 verses this phrase is repeated: Do not ignore it. Why?
Could it be that God's Word is pointing out how callous I have become? For someone who thinks he's a servant-leader, what if I'm a selfish-leader instead? Surely not. When my brother has a need, I would never ignore it! (...or would I?) Do I only help people I like? Or only when it's convenient? Or only when there's life-&-death hanging in the balance?
After all, this isn't an emergency room visit; it's a lost pet, for goodness sakes! How big a deal is it, anyway?! Don't sweat the small stuff, right? Wrong! Because what's "small stuff" to me might be "big stuff" to my brother.
The point is: Do not ignore it. Care. Listen. Be there. Get your hands dirty. Get some mud in your floorboard.
And don't just take my word for it; try this one on for size:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus... (Philippians 2:3-4)
