Heart Check: The Poor
Have I not wept for those who have fallen on hard times? Has my soul not grieved for the needy? Job 30:25 (CSB)
I like it when things are straightforward. Certainty is better than ambiguity. Life does not generally conform to any of these. When doing a “Heart Check” regarding the poor, it is not only about “having our heart in the right place,” it requires an understanding of God’s greater purpose.
In the days preceding the crucifixion, a woman came up to Jesus and poured out a costly jar of perfume on his head. The disciples became indignant, viewing this exhibit as a waste of resources that, if sold, the proceeds could have helped the poor. Jesus responded, “You will always have the poor with you.” (Matthew 26:11). His response echoed Deuteronomy 15:11, and we might conclude that the “war on poverty” will never be won.
However, the pertinent question for us is not “how can we eliminate poverty,” but rather, “is my heart and my actions in alignment with the heart of God?” Perhaps the easiest thing to do is to hand out a little bit of money as the government does in hopes that it will ease our conscience. If poverty were strictly an issue of finances, our money might be enough. But since poverty is often generational or systemic, something more than money is required.
The Problem and the Mission
The book of Proverbs lauds “hard work” (Proverbs 14:23), “diligence” (Proverbs 10:4), and the acceptance of “correction” (Proverbs 13:18 NLT). A person can do all of this and still not get ahead. They come under the domination of those who cheat and steal, preventing the poor from prospering.
The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. Proverbs 29:7 (NIV)
Our actions and attitude toward the poor are a “Heart Check” issue, but there is a temptation to be cynical. In addition to the genuinely needy, we encounter those who are “working the system.” Many communities have the “professional poor.” They have mastered the art of panhandling or soliciting money. They turn down offers of employment or work because they are bringing in more money begging.
Reading Scripture, we know that God’s heart is always for the poor. We also know that there are many causes of poverty. Some people are genuinely in need for various reasons; some cannot provide for themselves because physically or mentally, they cannot work. Others find themselves under tyrannical leadership whose policies keep people in bondage.
Poverty may be an unsolvable problem, but the issue for us is to have our attitudes and actions right before God. It is beside the point that trillions of dollars spent have not solved the problem. Our concern is to agree with and be in alignment with God in our actions toward the poor. Here are some things to consider.
We must avoid hard-heartedness
Hebrews warns us about being “hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13). The primary application of the Scripture is a warning against being hardened by our own sin, but it is also plausible that others’ sins can harden us.
We “reap what we sow” (Galatians 6:7), and bad decisions and life choices are contributing factors to poverty. However, we do not always see the entire story. It is easy to pass judgment, but some who make poor decisions never received wise teaching. We know that the cycle of poverty is often generational.
When we encounter poverty and the related problems, we must not fall into a trap and become calloused or indifferent. We do not advocate rewarding or supporting bad behavior but putting up barriers to protect ourselves will not be aligned with God’s heart.
In Mark 6:34, we see Jesus “moved with compassion” as he saw the crowd. Undoubtedly, some were in desperate situations, even of their own making, but Jesus demonstrated love and care as he began to teach them.
Money alone is not the answer
“If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” – Unknown
It may ease our consciences when we throw a few dollars toward someone in need, but can we realistically expect it to make a difference? Even more so knowing that trillions of dollars have been expended through the years in the campaigns to eliminate poverty.
Money and food can address an immediate issue, but if we are concerned about altering the course of the poor, we must engage in strategies that will require a greater degree of personal involvement. This effort may not be practical as individuals, but a community of Christ-followers could make a difference.
What can we learn?
Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? James 2:5 (NLT)
Some of the most significant examples of generosity that I have ever witnessed have been from people living in great poverty. I have eaten in pastors’ homes, who, along with their families, subsist on the equivalent of $25 per month. They would purchase bottled beverages because they knew that we would get sick from drinking the water. The happiest, most joyful people have often been those who have had the least amount of worldly wealth. They were indeed rich in faith.
We have a responsibility and a divine obligation to assist the poor. However, if we are receptive, there are invaluable lessons to learn about God’s Kingdom and his priorities. Hopefully, we are learning that it is impossible to out-give God. As we engage in what is closest to his heart, like caring and providing for the poor, we will receive a blessing in ways we can never imagine.
Steve Ekeroth