The Poor

Two people walk into a church.

 This isn't the beginning of a bad joke I promise!!

Anyway, where were we? Oh right. Two people walk into a church. The first is prominent in the community and the other is a pan handler on the street. Which one do you greet first?

Honest answer folks. I'm not fishing for some spiritual answer. I want you to answer the question truthfully. Honest answer for me? The famous guy. That's the cold, hard truth. I'm not the only one either. The early Church too struggled with favoritism.

"For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, 'You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor'-well, doesn't this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?"

James 2:2-4

James warns against giving special attention to rich or famous people just because they're rich. In modern times we call it "sucking up". Why would you be nicer to the famous person rather than the homeless guy? 

First of all, it's called human nature. As people, we are drawn to power and fame. Because they are well of in society, we want to be near them and share in their good fortune. Maybe if that rich person starts going to your church, they will give lots of money. Or maybe you could have their stamp of approval so that more people will start coming to your church. 

Secondly, our lack of compassion for the homeless guy is our culture talking.

When you see a guy on a street corner begging for money, what do you think? Do you lock your car doors and try not to make eye contact? I know I do. We look at that person and think, "Get a job! Stop asking me for money. I'm not going to give you a dime of my hard-earned money! You'll just spend it on booze and drugs!" We shake our heads at the people that hand them money. "Stupid people!", we scoff. Don't they know it won't be helping society to keep giving them hand-outs? 

Why do we think that? Because the Bible says so? Or is it because our culture says so? 

If you said culture, you are right. These people who stand at the street corner are useless to the greater good of advancement. They suck on all our resources but don't give back. They don't work, but they still live off of the government programs. They are a drag, a bother and they aren't worth keeping alive. They are no longer people. They're a number and a statistic. No one notices when they're gone. 

But that's not how we should treat them as Christians. "Love you neighbor as yourself." Remember that? That includes the homeless panhandler. Each person is precious and worthwhile to God. Jesus didn't die for the rich alone, He also died for the poor. Just because hey're messed up, doesn't mean they aren't people. In fact, it's the very fact that they're messed up that we need to love on them and show them compassion. Have you ever wondered why they are the way they are? What drove them to the streets? Maybe they came from an abusive home, or maybe they're parents never gave them the love that they needed. Maybe drugs were the only way out of their depressing life. 

But, you may say, it's still not wise to give them your money. It's not like they're going to use it for things they need! We can't dictate what people should and shouldn't do with their money. After all, we buy stuff we don't need all the time with our money. Does you boss ever try to tell you how to spend the money he paid you? It's not his to control so why would he try to? besides, it's not your money to use for your pleasure. It's God's. He provided the job that pays you. Everything you have is only "yours" because of Him.We are only the stewards of it. So why shouldn't you bless somebody else with it. You have no problem giving it to a friend in need so why should you be stingy to a homeless guy in need? I'm not saying you have to give money. Maybe a sandwich or something. But passing him by and locking your car doors isn't right. 

Sure, we have outreach ministries to the homeless...I'm not discounting that fact. The problem is when they decide to come into church. Do we make them feel welcomes and loved? Or do we just let them slink into the back and ignore them? Maybe it's not intentional. Maybe we're just too into our own friend group to extend a hand of welcome. but the fact is that it happens. 

How are we able to preach the love of God, if we can't love them? How are they able to see the love of God if we don't show them? What does it matter that they are beggars...they're headed to hell as you were once upon a time.

Shake us up, Lord!