Read Romans 8:28–29

Our world has become a large, impersonal, busy institution.

We are alienated from each other. Although crowded, we are lonely. Pushed together but uninvolved. No longer do most neighbours visit across the backyard fence. The well-manicured front lawn is the modern moat that keeps barbarians at bay. Hoarding and flaunting have replaced sharing and caring. It's like we are occupying common space but have no common interests, as if we're on an elevator with rules such as: "No talking, smiling, or eye contact allowed without written consent of the management."

Painful though it may be for us to admit, we're losing touch with one another. The motivation to help, to encourage, yes, to serve our fellow human beings is waning. People have even observed crimes in progress but refused to help so as not to be involved! Our foundational values are getting lost in these confusing days. And yet, it is these things that form the essentials of a happy and fulfilled life. 

Remember that grand declaration of biblical assurance etched in the rocklike truth of Romans 8? I'm referring to verses 28-29, which read: 

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.

Maybe you've never before stopped to consider that God is committed to one major objective in the lives of all His people: to conform us to "the image of His Son."

Excerpted from Improving Your Serve: The Art of Unselfish Living, Copyright 1981 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.