Of course, the fall has distorted the inherent goodness of the creation design, damaging the assets As a result, communities do have pressing and urgent needs: individual lives are broken; organizations, associations, businesses, churches, and governments often pursue power more that the public interest; and even local customs or cultures often glorify the profane. But all is not lost. Colossians 1:16-17 teaches that Christ is holding all things together. He does not allow the effects of sin to completely destroy the inherent goodness of the assets that He created. In the midst of the decay, the assets persist.- albeit in distorted fashion- because the Creator of the universe makes them persist. We do not need to despair. There is plenty of goodness to discover and to celebrate... even in a fallen world!
- from When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert, chapter 5, page 129
3 comments:
I am sure poverty is complex and there are underlying issues and all that. I do not deny a bit of it.
However, I think there are no problems with us making changes within our own lifestyles, hearts and expectations. We really can, and probably should, sell everything we own, give it to the poor, and go follow Jesus. When we give we need to be cheerful. The giving we do should be in secret, so as not to puff up ourselves. We should see the givees as Jesus himself, and therefore if we withhold, it is him we deny and face judgment over it. It is completely acceptable - even preferred - if we sell our property and or donate it to the community and hold all things in common so that no one goes in need.
This all comes straight out of the NT, and calls for the change deep within us believers as the focus really, and little or no focus on the "effectiveness" of the giving. There is too much focus placed on what all the poverty is about, and what effectiveness or lack there of we seem to find. That is not from Jesus, despite the wisdom it seems to offer. My theory is that notion distracts us from trusting God with our giving.
At least worth considering...
blessings...
Hello Earning...-
thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. (how on earth did you find this little blog?)
I can't disagree with you that many believers would be wise to consider significant lifestyle changes!
And I agree that we must see all men as created in God's image.
I wonder, though, what you mean by "effectiveness." Giving, whether it be financial, material, or time, also requires stewardship, using those resources He has given us wisely (see the parables Jesus told in Luke 12 & 16).
Ahhh... to keep praying the prayer of Paul in Colossians 1, eh?
blessings!
K
Absolutely... glad I stopped by. Always interested in Christian blogging.
I do not remember now what search I launched that brought me to you. I quite often search blogs featuring When Helping Hurts, seeking to defend against that book. Is it featured here? But I also look for blogs that are discussing their ministry to the poor especially. I am sure I found you in one of these searches.
Glad you agree with me! At least where you do. That is always nice.
I find that people dealing with WHH (or "wise giving" in what ever terms) are focusing on different components of the concept from each other and from me much of the time. This could explain why you dont understand me about "effectiveness". I am suggesting that, certianly in the contexts where I live, people are wanting a return of investment. Some tangible evidence that the $5 I give a bum will not end up supporting his Wild Turkey habit, but rather will set him on the path to sobriety or some other mark of "salvation" that would be acceptable to us.
I do not see this as a major concern in the NT. (or the Old for that matter) I am placing the emphasis more on us, the givers. And I see that as biblical really.
Now, as to your statement about stewardship in giving, and the scripture you cite, I need you to explicate your meaning. I dont see it there.
I do see Jesus telling a rich guy to sell all, give the poor, and come follow. I see no concern for stewardship in that. When Jesus heals 10 lepers, only one comes back to say thanks. That is 1 out of 10 in the successful life change category. But Jesus makes no call to heal more effectively or make a case about When Healing Hurts.... I see Luke 12 talking about giving freely and not worrying about your own needs in the process (didnt strike me as issues of stewardship in giving. In fact that part that mentions stewardship seems to have more to say about mistreating people (beatings etc) than about giving. Seems to suggest we need to love more lavishly to me.
I must say, though, whether I win you to my view or not, that this is encouraging to find a person that disagrees by refering to scripture! Thanks for doing that. I am not so proud to think that I cant be mistaken. I am quite sure that I am frequently mistaken actually, and being corrected from scripture is what I seek. That is actually rare. Most people I debate this stuff with do not open a Bible at all. They spout off a bit of the latest book they read, stare blankly and walk away. That is no help to me or them.
You did not do that. And I appreciate it!
I am blessed by your blog, and by your Christian love for God and others, whatever else. That is paramount. God bless you...
Mike
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