Remember the Poor…

            I somehow grew up with the idea that it was the church’s (or the government’s) responsibility to help those less fortunate than myself. This was especially true when it came to the homeless or the roadside beggar. It was beyond me – a decision for others wiser than myself. How could I judge whether they were really poor and needy or just lazy? What if I gave them money and they bought liquor or drugs with it? I did not want to be a part of that.

Still, this thinking did not come from my parents. I can recall my dad helping out others he noticed were in need. I am not sure where the ideas came from. I just do not think I paid much attention.

I remember being a newly appointed deacon in the church we were attending in California. One job we had was to decide whether or not to help those that came to the church seeking aid. As I recall, I think we were rather stingy.

(Photo from Microsoft Clip Art)

 I still can recall a conversation where the pastor* and I were discussing the church policy about the homeless. It bothered him. “No matter how I look at it” he said, “I still hear the Apostle Paul saying, ‘Remember the poor’.” I could never get that thought out of my mind. In the following years that I was with him, I witnessed a man who was always ready and willing to help others.

I have finally decided that I cannot judge others motives. To be truthful, I am not always sure why I do what I do. Here in Phoenix, I often see people with signs asking for food or “any help you can give”. So I help. Not because I trust them to use it wisely, but because Jesus would have helped. I have also found some fun ways to do it. 

<edit> We now help in a ministry in Modesto, CA. We help serve meals and pray with people. My wife speaks regularly. I take care of maintenance and run the video and sound for worship. And it never gets old. It is summed up in the words of one of our regulars. He was sitting across from my wife during Wednesday Groceries/Prayer time. "Who would have thought that a guy like me, would be praying with a lady like you?" I wish it happened more often.

All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along. Gal. 2:10 (NIV)

*Smiling as I remember you, Pastor Dean A. Goddard. You are greatly missed.