How can we as Christians look at ourselves in the mirror ? I mean come on. If we are called to be holy and like our Savior how can we just walk by those in need? The world is full of people who don't have enough to eat or a roof over their heads. We are told by Jesus to, "Love our Neighbors." How can we claim to love somone, but allow them to continuing suffering even though we could help?If someone says that they are a sanctified believer, and yet continues to live like there is no hurting people in the world, I have to question whether they have good understanding of this second work. If the Holy Spirit controls our lives we will be troubled by the things that trouble God.
When we ask if God has a concern for those in need we need only to flip a few pages into the New Testament. In Luke 6:20 Jesus states, "blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God."(NIV) A few chapters later in Luke 14:13 Jesus instructs a Pharisee to invite the poor and needy to his house for a banquet not the rich and powerful. In the story of the early Christian church, The book of Acts we see Paul praising Tabitha for doing good to the poor. These are only a few instances when God shows us he loves those in need. This means that Christians who are modeling Him also need to love those who are in need.
I want to make something clear. When your church gathers goods to donate to The Salvation Army you have done a great thing. It must also be stated here that this doesn't get you off the hook. This isn't a pass that allows you to avoid the man begging on the corner by crossing to the other side of the street. God tells us to love the needy and once we claim sanctification we should be loving people like Jesus did. The slogan, "What would Jesus do," was a catchy Christian saying a few years ago. Everyone wore a "WWJD?" wrist band. I never got on the bandwagon then but I recently bought one. They aren't as cool anymore, but the truth that it represets is still as cool. We need to ask ourselves moment by moment, What would Jesus Do?
1 comment:
As a Christian I try hard to help anyone I can. This article opened my eyes to the fact that there are so many more that need our help and through the power Jersus gave us we can help. The Salvation Army is a great way to do the good. By giving to the Army you are helping a lot of needy people. But as the article says this does not let us off the hook. Do the right thing, because it is the right thing to do!
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