All the news about social injustice and societal inequality are tiring. It is my belief that God has a plan for each of us and has equipped us accordingly, but we have to enact His will. We all have a part to play in the trajectory of our lives. Sure some of us are born into difficult situations (by God’s will or the choices of others) but we must choose to rise above the situation. We must drop the blame game and accept responsibility for our choices, therefore getting on a positive track for life.
How do we, as a society, help those who are struggling financially or who are deemed chronically poor? The current cultural/political climate calls for wealth distribution, BUT there is another way…personal/individual benevolence. We must choose to dig deep into our own pockets and give through reputable organizations that serve the truly needy. The bottom line is discerning who is seeking a ‘hand up’ versus a ‘hand out.’ Giving our money, material goods, and time to those who choose to work/claw out of their poverty situation is the challenge instead of to those who choose to live off charity. An important concept to consider when it comes to charitable giving is determining which type of giving is of the most benefit to the individual in need. Some folks are in genuine financial crisis and need help getting back on their feet, while others may need something less tangible. Some may need love and discipline, structure and hope. Giving to the “needy” must not be only constrained to financial scenarios. We must remember that we are called to love one another and give generously. As givers we must extend open hands and give without judgment of the recipient.
Trust me, giving to those in need who desire to improve their situations is so rewarding. The consequences are not only immediate but eternal.
Remember, giving a man a fish feeds him for a day, but teaching a man how to fish feeds him for life.
More food for thought:
Per Jim McAlister, a Christian world view economist,
Doug Wilson has said it well: “Charity should extend equally to the “deserving poor” (1 Cor. 16:1) as well as to the “undeserving poor” (2 Thess. 3:10). Charity makes a distinction between them, but only in what is given, not in a willingness to give. The deserving poor receive, for example, gifts of money (1 Cor. 16:1), clothing (Matt. 25:38), food (Matt. 25:37), and shelter (Matt. 25:38). The undeserving poor receive accountability (Prov. 6:9), a work ethic (2 Thess. 3:12), and godly teaching (Eph. 4:28). The gleaning laws of the Old Testament recognize this distinction plainly. The poor are defined as those who are “without,” and these different categories exist because people go without different things. Some are without Christ, and are spiritually poor, while others are without food, and are physically poor. Some, in danger of starvation, are absolutely poor, while others in First World countries are relatively poor because they have an older car. Charity should be extended to all, but intelligent charity requires a knowledge of what it is they are going without.”
http://dougwils.com/s22-money-love-desire/theses-on-the-kindness-of-christ.html#more-90641