Ridgell's Originals

Jesus cared about the poor.  We are to remember the poor.  There are hungry people to feed.  Shelter and clothing are needed.  And the poor are always going to be with us.  So this is not a discussion on eliminating poverty, hunger, or homelessness. It is not written to convince you that Christians have a responsibility in this area.  But here is what I want to talk about:  how do we help the poor.  

I have generally seen three approaches.  

One is to let the government do it.  Tax those who have in order to help those who do not.  I do believe Christians should pay taxes to the governing authorities.  And I do. But I do have a couple of problems with this being the best way for Christians to participate.  One is that I have never seen a government -- past or present -- that has done this efficiently.  It is clearly not a heart issue.  It is coerced.  So it is not done out of love.  In fact, you can give to the poor in this way and never even meet or see a poor person.  And the government gets the credit.  Not God.  The government.  

Another way is for the institutional church to be active in this area.  Budget line  items.  Special contributions.  Volunteer at non-profits.  Food pantries.  Clothing drives.  At least money given this way can very much be a matter of the heart.  Though obviously it can be very impersonal.  Well, except for the deacon in charge of benevolence, or maybe the preacher or church secretary.  And if not careful, the church gets the credit and not God.  But you would hope the two are connected in the minds of the needy.  Much better option for the Christian than government assistance.  But budgets and programs still do not seem to be the way Jesus operated.  

Hoverer, I should say this about church benevolence.  We Christians have an obligation to take care of our own.  That obligation to love each other is greater than my obligation to those outside of my spiritual family.  I do think churches can help in these circumstances when members have needs.

But it seems to me that the real Jesus commitment is to see and to assist the poor in your world.  Help those you encounter or know who are in need.  This is very much a direct heart issue.  Eye to eye contact.  Not impersonal. Don't hope a government program will connect with them.  Don't necessarily call on the church benevolent program.  Just you help.   And that gives the opportunity to minister in other ways.  Gives an opportunity to share the good news.  That is what Jesus did.  He went around healing people and speaking the good news of the Kingdom.

So Marsha and I very much prioritize our helping those in need. 

We take care of our physical family first.  Scripture says we are obligated to do that.

We take care of our spiritual family second.

We do good for our "neighbors" after that.  People we meet or know in our world.

So in practical terms, we pay as little in taxes as possible so we have resources to use personally and to be sure God gets the glory.  

We ask God to bless us financially so we can help directly.

Jesus saw needs and met them.  Thanked God for resources.  And talked about the Kingdom.

That's the model I want to follow. 

So pay your taxes and hope some government programs help.  Give to your church.

But mostly... be generous to those in need in your personal world.  They are there.     

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM