A preacher delivered a beautiful sermon describing the plight of the poor and how it was the duty of the well-to-do to share their wealth with the less fortunate. Later in the day a friend asked how the sermon was received. “Well, it was partly successful…” said the preacher, “I convinced the poor.”
For most of us, our lifetimes have been filled with plenty when compared to past generations. Therefore, it is best to remember that great need can return in the form of plague, war, or famine—so, while we have much, we do well to bless those who have little.
“He who is generous will be blessed,
For he gives from his food to the poor” (Proverbs 22:9).
If you have seen real poverty, no one needs to take you there again. Its sights and sounds never leave you. The rest of us take for granted the abundance of clean food, clean water, and clean streets around us. For the rest, these are rich blessings that they will never have.
You and I have seen all manner of people and institutions try to sign us up to help their causes; some are genuine, some are not. Of course, the way to make sure your donation enters desperate mouths and not despotic bank accounts, is to know for sure where it is going.
Trust only goes so far. Your money comes from God, so don’t hand it over to thieves. Since churches can be easy targets for fly-by-nighters, we must be ready. Long before a need is presented, we must have trained ourselves in the discipline of Christian Stewardship. If our hearts are pre-set to Love, Generosity, Discernment, and Accountability, we will have no regrets.
“If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD— and he will repay you!” (Proverbs 19:17).
John Staiger