Who is my family? Who is my neighbor? Who deserves my help?
I find a significant number of folks who believe in "taking care of our own," but that sounds more like "When I have all I want for me and mine, I'll worry about if lesser folks have what they need."
This is particularly troubling when we keep in mind that the poorest of the poor in this country have resources that would be abundant in many corners of the world where personal safety, personal dignity, and enough water and food are not abundant. If we drive through areas of our state or city or country that are flagrant in their need and we try to justify averting our eyes, who will not avert their eyes from us in our need? How much judgement and disdain will we heap on God's children and our neighbors, our fellow countrymen and fellow citizens of the world in order to justify our unsated and frivolous wants? Why are we so unwilling to forego the smallest "treat" or moment's diversion in order to ease the pain and suffering of another?
From the world, I understand this, because no amount of self-indulgence can fill our longing for love, acceptance and hope. But for folks who self-identify as followers of Christ but believe that having more "things" proves our value in God's eyes, I have to suggest in the strongest terms that you read that Bible, open your heart as you pray, and ask God to send you the Spirit of God that you might grow in wisdom and strength.
Because my Bible does not say anywhere that I have a right to unlimited "stuff" while others lack basic needs. Oh, I know! "When I get more I'll be more generous!" "If I win the lottery, then I'll give a bunch." "Later when the kids are not so expensive, or when I've caught up on my retirement saving so I'm sure I and mine will have enough, or after my parents are dead it will be easier to help." But the truth is that if we fail to practice generosity in small things, that muscle will not be up to task "later" either.
How might you flex your "generosity" muscles today?
I find a significant number of folks who believe in "taking care of our own," but that sounds more like "When I have all I want for me and mine, I'll worry about if lesser folks have what they need."
This is particularly troubling when we keep in mind that the poorest of the poor in this country have resources that would be abundant in many corners of the world where personal safety, personal dignity, and enough water and food are not abundant. If we drive through areas of our state or city or country that are flagrant in their need and we try to justify averting our eyes, who will not avert their eyes from us in our need? How much judgement and disdain will we heap on God's children and our neighbors, our fellow countrymen and fellow citizens of the world in order to justify our unsated and frivolous wants? Why are we so unwilling to forego the smallest "treat" or moment's diversion in order to ease the pain and suffering of another?
From the world, I understand this, because no amount of self-indulgence can fill our longing for love, acceptance and hope. But for folks who self-identify as followers of Christ but believe that having more "things" proves our value in God's eyes, I have to suggest in the strongest terms that you read that Bible, open your heart as you pray, and ask God to send you the Spirit of God that you might grow in wisdom and strength.
Because my Bible does not say anywhere that I have a right to unlimited "stuff" while others lack basic needs. Oh, I know! "When I get more I'll be more generous!" "If I win the lottery, then I'll give a bunch." "Later when the kids are not so expensive, or when I've caught up on my retirement saving so I'm sure I and mine will have enough, or after my parents are dead it will be easier to help." But the truth is that if we fail to practice generosity in small things, that muscle will not be up to task "later" either.
How might you flex your "generosity" muscles today?
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