Originally published in The Global Voice: Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2003. You can read the whole edition here.
All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. - Galatians 2:10
There is something about being poor that makes a person re-evaluate their existence and purpose. Being without not only removes dignity, but it also takes toll on hope, dreams and a future. Not many of us have been truly poor. Sure we've all had the pressure of not being able to pay a bill on time and some of us have even been without the funds to buy groceries or other necessities. However, there is a physical poverty that to most Americans is a foreign concept.
Living in the most affluent country in the world, being poor can be associated with things like not having cable, having only 1 car, "I haven't been shopping in a year," and "we can't afford to even go out to the movies!" Then there's another poverty that we see on T.V. and it pulls our heartstrings in a way that compels us to feel "not so bad," and even grateful for what we do have.
We even try to relate to this kind of poverty by saying things like, "I can't imagine if I had only 1 outfit," or "I don't know what I'd do if I had to live in an environment without running water and electricity." By saying these things, even with sincerity, we attempt to relate to a people in need, but we actually prove how far removed we are from this kind of poverty.
Let me explain, in most impoverished countries, the things about poverty that concern us are none of their concerns. For example, most people groups are quite comfortable having a very minimum amount of clothing as long as they are clothed. A life with electricity has been one they've never tasted, so the thoughts of having it are incredibly distant to them. Running water is a luxury, so many people groups have wells, or a running water source like a creek or river from which they gather their water. This is even a social meeting place for women, children and those involved in gathering this water.
As missionaries, we can get very caught up in meeting needs that make us feel better about ourselves instead of actually helping people where they need help. This in itself is a very hot topic in the realm of global missions. As you know, most missions organizations, ours included, are supported by people like yourself who feel that the cause is worthy to be supported. So the way by which support is solicited is to share stories and show images that will demonstrate the effectiveness of the organization to meet needs, hence, rallying continued support. Therefore, it seems the easiest way to relate need, is to show people in physical need lacking materialistic possessions and even modern conveniences. By doing this, an organization is ensured continuation of support and supporters feel more secure about giving to an organization that's making a "real" difference.
Personally, that is the temptation. To be an organization that tells people what they want to hear and show them what they want to see as to be ensured financial support. God help us! Brothers and Sisters there is incredible poverty in these third world countries, but this is what makes them so prime to be blessed and take part in the Kingdom of God. (I am writing this article in complete sincerity, praying God will communicate where I lack the ability.)
In our country, the poor are pitied and serviced. We have clothing facilities, meal facilities, lodging facilities, all set up for the poor. We have done a good job about taking care of the poor in these ways, but I question if this was the way Jesus intended things.
When we come to life in Christ, there is a revolution of the heart and mind that by God's Spirit transforms us into a new creation. (Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! - 2 Corinthians 5:17) If this is true, then why do we service the poor in the same way the world does? There are many, many organizations that take care of the poor in these very humanitarian ways, but how do we differ?
The bible and especially Jesus spent significant amounts of time and conversation on the poor. "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor." - Luke 4:18
Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor"- Matthew 11:4, 5
"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." - Luke 6:20b
"But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." Luke 14:13, 14
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? - James 2:5
The world defines poverty by a lack of resources, specifically financial resources. Those without are at a great disadvantage according to the world, but what does the bible say about the poor. "Theirs is the kingdom of God," "God has chosen those who are poor to be rich in faith." The Kingdom of God is completely opposite to the ways of the world. So what can we do? How can we respond to the poor different than the world? How can we have the mind of Christ in this situation?
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. - 1st John 3:16
How about we lay down our lives for them!
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