Over the course of several months, many discussions with friends, fruitless hours at bookstores, word documents full of the beginnings of ideas, and time spent generally contemplating, I've come to the frustrating and startling conclusion that very few Christians discuss with much detail the concept of how Christians should relate to those who are poor. The irony of this current state of the Christian church seems striking as the Bible itself is chock-full of references to caring for the poor.
These posts are intended to start discussions and open up space for a consideration of what role the Bible indicates that the Christian Church should be playing in ministering to the poor. Should it be a ministry of witnessing only? Should witnessing be secondary to ministering to physical needs? How is the Church to prioritize ministry to poor people as compared to other ministry opportunities? What effect does the Church's involvement with the poor have on our relationships to other groups of people?
I invite everyone to participate in this process of learning and seeking for Truth. However, my caution is that Truth only emanates from the Holy God and His word as revealed in Scripture. Many of us may disagree and have various ideas. We are all free to share those ideas, but we, myself included, should also all be willing to have each of those ideas tested by the teachings of Scripture. As we search for truth, we can rest confident that if we come with a willing heart the Holy God will reward our diligence. May we all seek to glorify Him.
1 comment:
I feel that I have traveled enough of the world (all permanently inhabited continents, 30+ countries, warzones) to have seen something of poverty. The way I have, as a result, decided to deal with poverty is:
(1) Give responsibly. Give to organizations that labor to, first, share the gospel and second, provide rehabilitation. Give of money, and if possible, time.
(2) Give to orphans and widows. Whether orphaned in fact or functionally, whether widowed in fact or functionally, I believe we cannot refuse money to women and children. Exercise some prudence here, however, when in a location where begging is an occupation... especially with children who are raised to it. But elsewhere (away from touts, away from gypsies), give. In fact, carry money conveniently in a pocket so that you have it to give away. Be deliberate in planning to do this.
(3) In America, never give money to an able bodied man. Does he have a sob story about how he can't get work? Brother, I have been to places where tyranny and suffering give men real excuses. Never give money to a man. I won't even buy him food, the 'responsible' to deal with a panhandler. He doesn't work" Then he doesn't eat.
Much more thought can and should be given to the role of governments and the role of the local church, but I haven't really given it. This is how I, at my level, have been affected.
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