Now put in those terms, I would hope that most of us would like to consider ourselves to be somewhere in the middle. But where exactly out we to stand? This is a complex issue that I think deserves a complex answer... both considering all the very complex issues going on in the urban scene, and also giving an honest and humble second look at all that the scriptures say in regard to this topic.
These two tasks are not easy by any means... at least to me. First of all, having worked in urban schools for a couple years (and Trish for a few) we are in some ways quite disillusioned to there ever being a solution to the problem of the urban life. This is for two reasons.
First, there is no ONE problem. The problems are many, and often there are vicious cycles of issues that are hard to steer onto a better course, such as the need of urban youth to have more time with their family, when the father has left and mom has to work three jobs to put a roof over their heads. Then you have another child raised to think its normal to get pregnant at age 15 or normal to get a 15 year old pregnant and then leave. There is nobody in that child's life to teach them otherwise. Secondly, those that are put into the lives of these children are either too powerful to want to spend that power on anyone but themselves (ie. school administrators) or too entrenched in meaningless beaureocrasy to have enough time or resources to give the students a meaningful education (ie. teachers).
Finally when I approach the scriptures on this issue, the texts that address this issue seem to lean to one extreme or the other. I know that the word of God has one divine author, but I also know that there are many instances where we have opposing ideas presented in scripture that are not at all contradictory but are hard for our minds to think of any other way. Take for example the fact that we are monotheistic and yet believe in three persons in our Godhead. Or take for example the fact that God is directing everything that happens in this universe, and nothing can happen without His express permission... and yet we are not to view ourselves as puppets but rather seek his help while we take on our daily responsibilities.
Where do I see these extremes? In one moment the scriptures tell us to "condescend to men of low estates" or in many other words we are to help the poor. On the other hand, books like Proverbs speaks harshly about the sluggard and how he brings himself to poverty. The scriptures even gets as harsh as to say that those that don't work ought not to eat. Today there are certainly sluggards who are poor because they like to be. There are also folks who have been put into a bad situation outside of their own will and would like to do what ever little they can to make things better. Some of these folks are the children of sluggards. Some of these children don't even want a better life because they had no idea there was one... at least for them.
Here's the last thing about this topic that often confuses me. Take this quote for instance:
"If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:"
~Deuteronomy 15:7
My question is this... what qualifies as "of thy bretheren"? What can I consider to be "within my gates within the land which the Lord my God gave me"? Who is my "poor brother"? All these phrases that seem to qualify verses like this must be understood both in their original context, as well as their present day appropriate application.
So where do we stand? At what point do we get ourselves involved in the lives of the poor? And which poor do we help? How do we effectively help them? It is my prayer that I and hopefully our entire congregation will come to a fuller understanding of these very complex issues. Please, please, if you've come this far to read this, prayerfully consider helping me to sort out this matter.
Stay well and strong in Christ Jesus,
Andy Gruswitz
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ReplyDeleteNot being able to sleep tonight, I happened to see your email, Andy, and the link to this blog....WOW - excellent idea!!
Regarding the issue on the poor, the point was well made in the sense of it being a complex subject. Also, it certainly can use a lot of thought, prayer, and greater consideration on our part as a church, I believe.
On the issue as a whole, I think that the "two extremes" Andy was mentioning can actually work hand in hand in either being poor, forming a right perspective on the poor, or helping the poor. First, we are, like Andy mentioned, commanded and encouraged by God to assist those in need. Not only is this what he requires of us as Christians, but it is a way we can reflect Christ, and His loving attitude while He was on earth. Also, I've been amazed reading God's Word how much God's heart is filled with compassion for the poor, and justice for those who are oppressed, neglected, or taken advantage of. We are to condescend (from our cozy seat of pride), to notice, to have compassion, and to act.
Second, the sluggard is addressed many times in Proverbs, like you mentioned, Andy. He is told to get up and get to work! He needs to, like the NT says, do whatever "his hand finds to do, and do it with his might." This seems to address the personal responsibility side of poverty. We have to make use of the abilities/resources/opportunities we have in order to provide for ourselves and our families. This also includes, I believe, contributing to our society and to God's kingdom world-wide. Rather than choosing laziness, rich and poor need to give themselves to diligent work, or else they will come to, or continue in poverty.
I'm glad you made that application to our society, Andy. So many "rich" are either given their wealth, or have amazing opportunities thrown at them from all sides, and can get through life extravagantly, never thinking twice about paying the bills. Others never knew a life where they weren't just scraping by, going into debt, jobless more often than not, and often on the point of despair. Sometimes life "seems so unfair"... until we take a step back and consider all those in other countries who have next to no opportunities for advancement in society. And that includes A LOT of people. We are so ridiculously blessed here in the U.S, that sometimes I feel sick listening to all the complaining we do (and I include myself!). But we do have poor with us, and they need our love, attention, and assistance, especially as ambassadors of Christ...
When I pay my taxes and help support people via welfare, food stamps, section 8 housing, disability, etc. and give my ten percent tithe, how much more do i have to give to the poor exactly? In biblical times, no taxes went to the poor, just to enrich the coffers of the king.
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