“For ye have the poor with you always.”~ Mk. 4:7
FULL FREEZERS AND EMPTY STOMACHS
Because of a “social gospel” preached by some, we have gone to the extreme opposite, leaving us with what I like to call a “stingy gospel.” We hear how much churches are giving to missions to reach the lost but very little, if any, of how much they give to the poor. Preaching the Gospel with a full refrigerator to those with empty stomachs will not suffice. It seems we have designated taking care of the poor to skid row missions. Evidently, we feel our churches are too affluent for this kind of degrading ministry. This kind is kin to the Laodiceans.
JESUS’ RELATIONSHIP WITH THE POOR
Jesus taught that we were to “give to the poor.” He had his treasurer “give something to the poor.” This is the reason the poor listened to Him. They knew He backed up His words with His deeds. We are told to “remember the poor.” The early Church sent aid “for the poor saints...at Jerusalem.” By the way, God’s people in the Old Testament were commanded to care for the poor among them.
IDENTIFYING THE TRULY POOR
Some people try to pass themselves off as being poor, who, in reality, are only less fortunate than others. My personal definition of poor is as follows: any person, or people, in a particular society or culture who lack sufficient means to afford the necessities of life for themselves and their family, that being food, raiment, and shelter. I might add, who are willing to work if given the opportunity.
A TRUTH TO MY SHAME
For years I took pride in how much I gave to missions, while all the while, I had a precious aging mother in need. Charity begins at home!!! We need to cease trying to be spiritual and start being obedient. If you’re the latter, you’ll be the former.
“You can’t give to everybody who is poor, but you can give to somebody. Each of us has a Lazarus outside our gate.” (rds)