Choice Bus

I recently came across a couple interesting articles that got me thinking about privileges and responsibilities.

The first piece described the development of the "Choice Bus," a school bus that has been converted to include a virtual jail cell that travels around the country as an educational presentation for high school and middle school students. The presentation is meant to provide a stark comparison of decisions that students face and their related consequences, specifically encouraging inner-city students to stay in school and avoid following the pattern of drop-out students who turn to "crime, poverty, and hatred." To read more, click here.

I also read an interesting analysis by Dr. Sandeep Jauhar, a cardiologist who raises the question of whether society should pay for the destructive habits and unhealthy behaviors of others that lead to increased demands on the healthcare industry. Acknowledging that by including those with unhealthy lifestyles into our insurance risk pools we allow them to shirk some responsibility for having to pay the consequences of their actions, Dr. Jauhar also notes that disease and illness are determined by far more than just unhealthy lifestyles. He raises important questions to consider as Americans debate how they feel about requiring all citizens to enroll in health insurance plans. To read more, click here.

These articles reminded me of the importance of acknowledging that the life I live is not my own, but that it is a gift given to me, and that includes all of the blessings and opportunities that have been granted to me. Through God's grace and providence, I have been blessed to be raised by a loving family who ensured I had an excellent education and never lacked the resources to enjoy a healthy and productive life. I often fail to consider this when I quickly judge others who I see engaging in questionable or unhealthy behaviors, but not everyone is surrounded by the love, guidance, and encouragment that I received and continue to receive. And the reality also remains that, even though my sins may seem more "acceptable" or "tolerable" in some eyes, I am a sinner nonetheless and equally deserving of God's judgment. It is by God's grace that I have been saved, not through my own works or merit! Therefore I am challenged to be a faithful steward of the blessings God has given me: the blessings and privileges granted to me come with responsibilities, and this includes reaching out to help educate and develop opportunities for others to lead more healthy and productive lives. This present life will not be perfect as we all struggle with sin and sickness, but by sharing God's love with others, I believe we experience His love in eager anticipation of the day when sickness and sorrow will be no more.