Noblesse oblige

Noblesse oblige- a French saying that literally means - an honorable obligation that is the responsibility of those in high rank. Unfortunately this valor, act of duty and responsibility has seen better days. Today I personally believe in this "me centered " society, many of the selfless acts of nobility from years past are not being passed down to today's generation. Instead of neighbor helping fellow neighbor (or generation helping generation)because it was our pleasure and high honor to serve...we seem to be living more for ourselves, apathetic to the suffering of others. Jesus was very aware of the needs of others around him; physical needs, spiritual needs, and even financial needs. He addressed all the needs of those around him completely. "Noblesse oblige," to me meant those who had an excess or abundance of resources, wealth, power, or title...were obligated out of honor and duty to give back. They didn't do it because they were forced to by an overreaching, social engineering government... they were compelled to by a moral code, an ethical compunction from a higher standard. I believe this is the way God intended it and the way a society, community, and family best survives. If our families will turn back to God and get back to a place where we honor and respect our elders and in turn they impart their knowledge and wisdom to our youth, we can stop the moral erosion that is taking place. When we impart Biblical principles, moral honor and responsibility from our own lives.,,lived out loud ,serving God first, others second and ourselves third... we won't need to reach toward government solutions for what are what I believe to be spiritual issue. Friends, this transcends any government program or forced "transfer of wealth" this is a brother or sister in a higher position lowering a ladder to a fellowman with an outstretched arm in order to give a helping hand... not a hand out. )there is a big difference. ) The giver wasn't being forced or resentful, and the receiver was respectful and appreciative. You see the divide between the "haves and the have nots" was bridged over by noble service, respect, and apprenticeship. The "haves" had compassion and generosity for the "have nots" and the "have nots" had less resentment and actually more admiration for "the haves" and aimed to better themselves by learning and aspiring to one day become one of "the haves" In the gospel of Luke 12:48 Jesus says "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. " To help your fellow neighbor, to serve your community, to give back to those who are less fortunate should be a noble obligation that comes from a heart that is overflowing with gratefulness that has been transformed by Jesus Christ. To be all you can be, to ask God to help you, and to give all you have is a high honor. Thanks for letting me share. Randy Young