Biased Compassion

Why don't I feel more compassion?  How have I become so insensitive to those suffering around the world?

Each morning I open a handful of websites to see whats going on in the world.  This morning one particular article caught my eye with the description of "Plane crash kills all 152 on board".  My first reaction was a mix of sympathy for the families that had lost loved ones and sadness over the unnecessary loss of life.  What a great tragedy.  But then I took a second look at the title and noticed a missing detail - "Pakistan plane crash kills all 152 on board."

Oh, phew. That's good.

Wait, what??  Did I really just breathe a sigh of relief because this happened in Pakistan and not in America?  Is this really any better?  Are travelers to Pakistan any less valuable than those lucky enough to be born in America?  Is the pain of sudden loss less painful for widows or orphans on the other side of the globe?

I obviously don't really feel this way, but I think your first reactions are a good barometer for your true character. It seems that I need to change my ethno-centric views and open my eyes to problems out side of my own home.  Maybe another missions trip to a foreign country will set my priorities straight...