(Reading Time: 7:30) Those who know me are keenly aware that I have trouble giving money to the poor. Not the actual poor (the ones who don’t reside in the United States), but those who claim poverty as a way to make a living. My feeling is they don’t know how to handle it or they would have it. Now Susan and I tithe and we give over and above to missions and other church projects. On top of that, we have always given to charities who help the poor (those with proven track records in helping). Yet, the people who hound our church daily frustrate me with their impoverished attitudes. Since when did the actual poor ever have an attitude anyway?
At Calvary we have a food pantry and our people (and other churches) are generous in keeping it stocked, so we can help the needy of our community. However, there seems to be a regular clientele that frequent every resource center in the county. Without going on a rant, what is that all about, anyway?
The reason this is heavy on my heart this week is I see such great need among those who are actually trying to help those in great need around the world. Where does my heart really rest? In missions work. I know missions is the heart of our church also. Apart from our church giving to missions, Susan and I support three other organizations that funnel finances into compassion ministries and gospel advancement. It’s not like my distain for the poor inhibits my giving. I do it because Christ said do it and it is one of the four primary areas the Assemblies of God is committed to.
What irks me is those who would take those resources rather than work, who would feign to have need just to draw out people’s compassion, and who would even lie to get help from others. It reminds me of what Jesus said in Matthew 24:12, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” However, that complete thought continues in the next verse, “but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” I am going to stand firm in my commitment to be generous, I am going to continue to give compassion and meet needs, and I am going to do it with God’s wisdom.
Having said all of that, my encouragement to you is to make your giving an act of obedience, an act of compassion, and an act of faith. I think what happens is we are guilted into giving in areas we don’t feel good about. We are constantly condemned as judgmental, as stingy, or as uncaring. However, the truth is, we give into things that are good and right and pure, not so others can continue in their sin and sloth.
Helping the needy must remain a matter of conscience, not a matter of demand. In the same way the Bible instructs us to avoid those who walk disorderly (Romans 16:17), we should also encourage those who feign poverty to work and provide for their own families (1st Timothy 5:8).
One other encouragement: If you have been damaged by those who would demand your generosity, I have a pathway to healing. Get involved in giving to those who truly deserve it and actually need it. Give to missions works around the world that you can be proud of. Give into special offerings in your church, such as the recent offering we received in the wake of Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu. These are the things that rebuild your faith in giving and allow you to know that you are really making a difference in the world today.
Once you begin a program of compassion that is not based on guilt or demand, the joy of giving to help others will return. You will no longer be swayed by the pleas you are presented with daily. Why? Because you are generous, you do help the poor, and you are guided by your heart of wisdom that God has given you to see things clearly, as they are, and not as others tell you they are.
But, Pastor, what about when Jesus said, “Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” (Luke 6:30) That statement is typical from those who would rob you of the things God has placed in your trust. Our first responsibility is to give unto the Lord that which is his. Secondly, Jesus said to render unto Caesar that which is his—pay your taxes and don’t cheat. Thirdly, provide for your own family, not in extravagance, but amply and modestly. Jesus also said, “The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want.” (Mark 14:7) However, giving to the poor is to be born out of our hearts, not placed on us by the will of others.
That’s the reason at Calvary we have opportunities to give into ministries and missions that help the poor. We even have a food pantry offering day to give into the needs of our community. However, the church is not about helping the poor. It is about discipling the believer and “remembering the poor.” (Galatians 2:10) There is a big difference. Our nation has more social agencies than you can shake a stick at. Yet, they have done very little in truly helping the poor. Your best way of helping the poor is to give into proven agencies which are making a real difference both here and abroad. Seek them out, study them, and support them. Even Jesus turned away people who became dependent upon the bread he miraculously provided.
“Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me,
not because you saw miraculous signs but because
you ate the loaves and had your fill.”
John 6:26, NIV.
One last thought: There are people who look at you and think you have so much and they question why you do not help them, since they have so little. This is because it is beyond their understanding as to what it takes to make a living in this world. You know how you struggle to pay the bills, take care of your family, tithe to the church, pay your taxes, and save for the future. They do not. They have never undertaken that task. They think of nothing but themselves and what you have that they should have.
“The leech has two daughters. ‘Give! Give!’ they cry.’ ”
Proverbs 30:15, NIV.
I continue to take the stand that I am a generous man. However, my giving will not be controlled by others, rich or poor. I seek God as to how to invest my resources wisely, and I will remember the poor. I will give when I deem it necessary and beneficial to those who I invest in. I will never enable a person to remain where they are. I am more about teaching people to fish, than handing out fish to people.
I know some may disagree with my stance, but what you do with your money is up to you. I have no more control over who you give to than you have over who I give to. You may even be asked of God to give it all to the poor one day. Then again, maybe one day I would be asked to do the same. I believe I would be obedient. I have been in the past. May the Lord give each of us the wisdom we need to truly help the poor.
“Calvary exists to demonstrate the love of God to the families of our community!”