The Downtrodden: Thinking Aloud
I have recently found it extremely difficult to evaluate "need." Unlike my experience on the coast, here in Florenceville there are a number of transients and those in financial crisis who turn to the church for help. In Montreal this was par for the course but I didn't expect the same volume here in rural New Brunswick.
Last week I had 4 requests; 1 for aid in paying their trailer park lot fee and three for substantial bus fare (one even suggesting I pick them up and put them up for a night). I guess the hard issue is how far does the church go in it's assistance and what is really helping them to get out of the mire of an "assisted" existence. Many are not what they appear and thus cynicism rears up and hurts those in legitimate need. But if we help all who pass by then we become financially burdened as a small church and gain a reputation as suckers... which I believe has happened in this place. Good intentions and faithful alms giving is appropriate, and is our call, but not at the loss of reason. Helping the downtrodden may be spending time to help them see the cycle of their lives and a destructive pattern.
I have found it difficult to say no. One always fears what the consequence will be. In the case of a Christian responce "no" may not be way of Christ. A well thought out reason for "no" must be articulated. I find this difficult because I would love to assist all who knock. The reality that is that that is not going to happen for fiscal as well as spiritual reasons.
The problem with reason is this, the government is letting people fall through the crevice knowing the churches and religious organizations must help. While they get the poor addicted to their scratch cards and video lottery machines we as the Church pick up the cost of getting their food and providing shelter. When the preachers say the world is messed up and sinful, don't roll your eyes at the church, recall that this is a perfect evidence of the sin in the world... poverty and abuse is not the way we were created. People abuse people and we are left trying to help get people back on their feet. I guess this rant is how far do we go to right the wrongs of society? How far do we go to right the brokenness of this "fleshly" world?
just thinking out loud!
Last week I had 4 requests; 1 for aid in paying their trailer park lot fee and three for substantial bus fare (one even suggesting I pick them up and put them up for a night). I guess the hard issue is how far does the church go in it's assistance and what is really helping them to get out of the mire of an "assisted" existence. Many are not what they appear and thus cynicism rears up and hurts those in legitimate need. But if we help all who pass by then we become financially burdened as a small church and gain a reputation as suckers... which I believe has happened in this place. Good intentions and faithful alms giving is appropriate, and is our call, but not at the loss of reason. Helping the downtrodden may be spending time to help them see the cycle of their lives and a destructive pattern.
I have found it difficult to say no. One always fears what the consequence will be. In the case of a Christian responce "no" may not be way of Christ. A well thought out reason for "no" must be articulated. I find this difficult because I would love to assist all who knock. The reality that is that that is not going to happen for fiscal as well as spiritual reasons.
The problem with reason is this, the government is letting people fall through the crevice knowing the churches and religious organizations must help. While they get the poor addicted to their scratch cards and video lottery machines we as the Church pick up the cost of getting their food and providing shelter. When the preachers say the world is messed up and sinful, don't roll your eyes at the church, recall that this is a perfect evidence of the sin in the world... poverty and abuse is not the way we were created. People abuse people and we are left trying to help get people back on their feet. I guess this rant is how far do we go to right the wrongs of society? How far do we go to right the brokenness of this "fleshly" world?
just thinking out loud!
2 Comments:
Douglas,
As you usually did after one of your sermons, you again have left me today with deep thoughts. This time about our less fortunate and how we have to find out within ourselves, which ones we have no choice but to figure out who to help, because we cannot help all, no matter how much our hearts tell us differently. If there is one thing I have learned from you, it's that we can only give when we have in our hearts,and hope that is enough for those who call on us. I know you have alot of support to give, and alot of love to your fortunate congregation. Sometimes, when it's all you have, it will be more than enough. It was for us.
Take care! You're in our prayers as always.
Love David and Roxanne
Thank you. Very thoughtfully said. As the scripture often says, the Spirit of God will lead us to know and will give us the words. Simply said i's a matter of trusting ur Lord.
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