What Breaks Your Heart? A Call to Action
Summary
As we embark on a new year, many of us find ourselves in a season of self-improvement, setting goals to become healthier, wealthier, and more successful. While these personal goals are important, I want to introduce a question that can profoundly impact our lives and the lives of others: "What breaks your heart?" This question is not about religion, but about identifying a deep-seated issue or injustice that stirs something within us, compelling us to act.
Throughout history, individuals like Moses, Esther, Nehemiah, and even Jesus have been driven by what broke their hearts. They couldn't stand by and do nothing when faced with the suffering and needs of others. This question has the power to change the trajectory of our lives, pushing us beyond our comfort zones to make a difference in the world.
The people we admire most are those who have had the courage to ask, answer, and act on this question. They are the ones who have made the world a better place, not by focusing solely on self-improvement, but by addressing the needs and injustices around them. This question challenges us to look beyond ourselves and consider how we can contribute to something greater.
As we reflect on what breaks our hearts, we may not have an immediate answer, and that's okay. It's a question that requires time and introspection. However, once we identify what truly moves us, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones and take action. It may cost us time, resources, or even relationships, but the impact we can have is worth it.
In the end, our lives will be measured not by what we accumulated, but by what we gave away. The value of a life is determined by how much of it was dedicated to serving others. So, as we continue to work on ourselves, let's also strive to be a means to an end that is not us. By doing so, we will experience life that is truly fulfilling and meaningful.
Key Takeaways:
- The question "What breaks your heart?" challenges us to look beyond self-improvement and consider how we can make a difference in the world. It is a question that has the potential to change the trajectory of our lives by pushing us beyond our comfort zones. [17:22]
- Throughout history, individuals like Moses, Esther, and Nehemiah have been driven by what broke their hearts, leading them to take courageous actions that changed the course of history. This question invites us to identify and act on the deep-seated issues that stir something within us. [06:49]
- The people we admire most are those who have had the courage to ask, answer, and act on this question. They are the ones who have made the world a better place, not by focusing solely on self-improvement, but by addressing the needs and injustices around them. [16:23]
- Identifying what breaks our hearts may require time and introspection, but once we do, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones and take action. It may cost us time, resources, or even relationships, but the impact we can have is worth it. [25:13]
- The value of a life is determined by how much of it was dedicated to serving others. As we continue to work on ourselves, let's also strive to be a means to an end that is not us, experiencing life that is truly fulfilling and meaningful. [28:53]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Season of Self-Improvement
[00:53] - Important Questions to Ask
[01:39] - Adding a New Question
[02:23] - A Question for Every Season
[03:05] - Potential to Change Your Life
[04:18] - Historical Examples
[06:49] - Nehemiah's Leadership
[08:33] - Jesus' Sacrifice
[10:00] - Modern Examples
[13:18] - Starting the Church
[16:23] - People Who Inspire
[17:22] - What Breaks Your Heart?
[22:33] - Personal Reflection
[25:13] - Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
[28:53] - The Value of a Life
[32:29] - Conclusion and Next Steps
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 3:7-10 - The calling of Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
2. Esther 4:13-16 - Esther's decision to risk her life to save her people.
3. Nehemiah 1:3-4 - Nehemiah's response to the news of Jerusalem's broken walls.
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the common factor that drove Moses, Esther, and Nehemiah to take action according to the sermon? [04:18]
2. How did the sermon describe the impact of asking the question, "What breaks your heart?" on historical figures like Moses and Esther? [06:49]
3. What examples from modern times were given in the sermon to illustrate people acting on what breaks their hearts? [10:00]
4. According to the sermon, what is the potential impact of identifying and acting on what breaks your heart? [17:22]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Moses in Exodus 3:7-10 illustrate the concept of being moved to action by what breaks one's heart? How might this apply to individuals today?
2. In Esther 4:13-16, Esther decides to risk her life for her people. What does this teach about the cost of acting on what breaks one's heart? [06:15]
3. Nehemiah's response to the news of Jerusalem's broken walls (Nehemiah 1:3-4) led him to take significant action. What does this suggest about the relationship between awareness and responsibility?
4. The sermon suggests that the people we admire most are those who have acted on what breaks their hearts. Why might this be the case, and how does this align with biblical teachings? [16:23]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the question, "What breaks your heart?" Is there a specific issue or injustice that consistently stirs something within you? How can you begin to address it? [17:22]
2. Consider the potential costs of acting on what breaks your heart, such as time, resources, or relationships. Are you prepared to face these costs, and what steps can you take to prepare yourself? [15:05]
3. The sermon mentioned that identifying what breaks your heart might require introspection. What practices or habits can you incorporate into your life to help you identify these deep-seated issues? [03:33]
4. How can you step out of your comfort zone to make a difference in the world, as suggested in the sermon? What specific actions can you take this week to begin this journey? [25:13]
5. The sermon emphasized the value of a life dedicated to serving others. In what ways can you shift your focus from self-improvement to serving others in your community? [28:53]
6. If you were to choose one thing for which people would thank you at the end of your life, what would it be? How can you start working towards that legacy today? [23:06]
7. Discuss with your group or a close friend what breaks your heart. How can you support each other in taking action on these issues? [29:48]
Devotional
Day 1: Discovering What Breaks Your Heart
In a world where self-improvement often takes center stage, the question "What breaks your heart?" invites us to look beyond ourselves and consider the deeper issues that stir our souls. This question challenges us to identify the injustices or needs that compel us to act, pushing us beyond our comfort zones to make a meaningful impact. By focusing on what truly moves us, we can align our lives with a purpose that transcends personal gain and contributes to the greater good. [17:22]
Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV): "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"
Reflection: What is one injustice or need in the world that deeply moves you, and how can you take a small step today to address it?
Day 2: Historical Examples of Heartbreak-Driven Action
Throughout history, figures like Moses, Esther, and Nehemiah have been driven by what broke their hearts, leading them to take courageous actions that changed the course of history. These individuals were not content to stand by in the face of suffering and injustice; instead, they allowed their heartbreak to propel them into action. By examining their stories, we can find inspiration to identify and act on the deep-seated issues that stir something within us, knowing that our actions can have a lasting impact. [06:49]
Nehemiah 1:3-4 (ESV): "And they said to me, 'The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.' As soon as I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven."
Reflection: Reflect on a historical or biblical figure whose actions were driven by heartbreak. How can their story inspire you to take action in your own life?
Day 3: Admiring Courageous Individuals
The people we admire most are often those who have had the courage to ask, answer, and act on the question of what breaks their hearts. These individuals have made the world a better place by addressing the needs and injustices around them, rather than focusing solely on self-improvement. By following their example, we can learn to prioritize the well-being of others and contribute to a more just and compassionate world. [16:23]
Hebrews 11:24-26 (ESV): "By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward."
Reflection: Who is someone you admire for their courage to act on what breaks their heart? What specific qualities or actions do you want to emulate in your own life?
Day 4: Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
Identifying what breaks our hearts may require time and introspection, but once we do, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones and take action. This journey may cost us time, resources, or even relationships, but the impact we can have is worth it. By embracing the discomfort of change, we open ourselves to the possibility of making a significant difference in the world. [25:13]
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel called to step out of your comfort zone to address a need or injustice? What practical steps can you take to begin this journey today?
Day 5: The Value of a Life
The value of a life is determined by how much of it was dedicated to serving others. As we continue to work on ourselves, we are encouraged to strive to be a means to an end that is not us, experiencing life that is truly fulfilling and meaningful. By dedicating our lives to serving others, we align ourselves with a purpose that transcends personal gain and contributes to the greater good. [28:53]
Matthew 25:35-36 (ESV): "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me."
Reflection: How can you measure the value of your life by the impact you have on others? What is one specific way you can serve someone in need this week?
Quotes
"What breaks your heart? It's okay not to know, but it's the question we should all ask from time and time. What breaks your heart? And, and like me, just to be clear, like me, there are a lot of things that bother you. There are a lot of things that irritate you. There are things that offend you culturally. There are things that bother you nationally. There may be some things that irritate you locally, but is there, is there one thing that, that surpasses all those other things?" [00:17:30]
"Is there one thing, one category, one issue that above all the things that just kind of bother you and irritate you and make you mad and make you wanna throw something at the television? Is there one thing in particular that is above all those other things? Is there one thing that just kind stays with you? You kind of wish you'd never read about it. You kind of wish you'd never heard about it. You wish you wish you'd never seen it, you wish you'd not visited it, because now you can't get it out of your head and it just sits there." [00:18:04]
"And it's frustrating because you don't think there's anything you can do about it, but you live with a bit of that tension. And one of the things that bothers you is it doesn't seem to bother anybody else. They're just irritated. And you're like, no, it, it's, it's bigger than that. Is there anything that transcends merely irritating and concerning that elicits more emotion than all of those other things? More than sad. Is there anything that when you give it your undivided attention, it kind of makes you mad." [00:18:44]
"Something that you find yourself thinking or saying this just shouldn't be. This is how Sandra and I say it all the time. We'll see something or hear about something. It's like we say that just shouldn't be in the world. Now I mentioned Janine Maxwell a few minutes ago, showed you the picture of the kids in Sini. She wrote a book years ago when she first got there. She's written several books and I love the title of her book. The Problem with the title of her book, it is so emotional to me because I've been there and I've seen this extraordinary work they do." [00:19:24]
"The title of her first book is this. It's not okay with me, it's not okay with me. Is there anything in the world that's not okay with you And not okay with me? Not okay. Maybe even with us. I, I'll, I'll tell you my personal, my my initial foray into this, this tension that this question raises. I was in my twenties and I, I've, I I never felt called to ministry. I volunteered. I mean, I had friends that felt called, they went forward and told my dad and he put, put his arm around him and said, this is so and so." [00:20:01]
"He feels called to ministry. She feels called to ministry. It's mostly he's back then. But you know, they're, you know, women got called. We just couldn't call him pastor. But anyway, we're, that was a long time ago. So anyway, so it was usually a, he, I feel called to preach. And I, I was driving around with my dad because I wanted to be in ministry. I'll tell you why in a minute. But I never felt called. I was kind of waiting for this lightning bolts or I woke up in the middle of the night, or the angel or I, I, I would sometimes pray, God, if you're gonna call me, don't do it audibly 'cause I'll wet my pants." [00:20:35]
"Okay? So just don't, don't over call me. Just, you know, make it clear, you know. So I'm driving around with my dad one day and, and I, I said, dad, do you have to be called into ministry or can you just volunteer? That's what I asked him. We're in our green Grand Safari station wagon. I remember right where we were in Cobb County, you know, I said, can you just volunteer for ministry? 'cause I'd like, he said, yeah. I said, well, I'd like to volunteer. That's how I got into this. And I tell you what, what drove me." [00:21:15]
"I was working just as a volunteer with some high school students. And I began working with college students and then high school students again. And the thing that broke my heart was watching students watching, you know, back then we call 'em young people, watching young people watching students, teenagers, and, you know, college students, watching them make decisions that I knew would potentially undermine their future. It just broke my heart. I'm like, no, no, no. Why are you doing that? Why are you going there?" [00:21:49]
"Why are you participating? You don't understand. You think it's an event, it's a pathway. This leads somewhere. I mean, come on. Life is hard enough. Don't make your life harder by creating your own regret. I mean, some regrets are unavoidable. They deal with, you know, they have other people that do things to us or create environments we can't escape. But come on, don't make your life harder than it's already gonna be. And that burden stayed with me. And that's what drove my communication." [00:22:23]
"Then It's what drives my communication. Now, it's why try to be practical. So, you know, sidebar, here's the, here's the mini sermon for today. Don't make your life more complicated than it already is with bad decisions. That's it. That's all I wanna say to you week after week after week, you know, follow Jesus. This is why we say following Jesus, make your life better, makes you better at life. So that, that's what really broke my heart in those days. That's why I stayed for years and years." [00:22:57]
"I thought I would work with high school students my whole life. I really did. Because I'm like, if you, you know, if you can just get these years, these college years, right? It just, it just puts you on a trajectory that's gonna make your life better. Now, okay, so that's enough about me. So back to you. What, what breaks, what breaks your heart? Years ago? We're in the kitchen, and Sandra and I are talking about this, and she had a different way of asking this question. So I'll ask, I'll give you her version or, and maybe it's more clarifying for you." [00:23:31]
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