poor at helping the poor

This week I’ve had two doctor appointments and a dental appointment. I’ve also eaten quite well. Oh, and I’ve slept in a nice warm bed each and every night.

On the other hand, I’ve talked with people this week who have significant health problems but can’t afford to go to a doctor. I’ve also talked with several persons who have little or nothing to eat and rely heavily on food pantries and handouts. And then there are those who sleep on hardwood floors in a roach-infested apartment.

Is this really America? Is this really the land of opportunity? Is this really the good life here in the United States?

Who needs to go overseas to help people in poverty? It’s right here in our own backyard.

I wonder, however, whether we—that is, the church—really notice. More than that, I wonder if we really care.

Oh sure, we talk a good game and preach convicting sermons on helping the poor and downtrodden, but do we actually do anything to help? Really help? Or is it all lip service?

I’ve ashamed to say that in my case it’s been mostly lip service, at least until recently. I’m not sure why, but for some reason the Lord has opened my eyes to just how desperate people are in my community and this country.

·         I dare you to open your eyes and see the people who don’t have enough food to eat.

·         I dare you to open your eyes and see the people who are living in utterly miserable surroundings.

·         I dare you to open your eyes and see the people who are ill but can’t afford to go to a doctor.

Where are they? I’m convinced they’re all around us, but we tend to overlook them or ignore them. In some cases they work with us, commute with us, eat with us and play with us.

Sometimes they’re obvious, but sometimes they blend in, too embarrassed to admit they’re struggling.

To my shame, I’ve become an expert at overlooking them or ignoring them. Maybe you have too. But it’s never too late to make a difference, and that’s why I intend to personally do a better job in this area.

What about you?

“If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.”1

“The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.”2

I dare you to open your eyes to the needs of people. I double dare you.

1  Proverbs 21:13

2  Proverbs 29:7