Do Something

I’m resuming reading the The Hole in our Gospel by the president of World Vision. It’s a biography type book- part his story from successful businessman to leading a nonprofit, and part teaching on what it means to follow Jesus. Something I read last night really struck me:

“I don’t want to also suggest that all true followers of Christ must forsake everything to bring comfort and justice to the poor. I only propose that a genuine concern for “the least of these” that finds tangible expression must be woven into the patterns of their life and faith. That expression might involve small but regular gifts to compassion ministries, advocating on behalf of the poor to government representatives, or regular volunteering at a soup kitchen, the local nursing home, or the Ronald McDonald Home. Even Jesus did not spend every waking hour helping the poor. He dined with the wealthy, celebrated at weddings and feasts, taught in the synagogue, and perhaps even did a bit of carpentry. Still, there is no question that his love for the poor found consistent and concrete expression in His life and ministry. The question for you and me is this: will Christ find evidence of our genuine concern for his beloved poor when he looks at the fruit of our lives on that day? (60).

It’s pretty incredible to write such graceful and challenging words at the same time. It as if to say one doesn’t have to be consumed by the poor (the grace), but one will be asked what you did for them (the challenge). I think that’s what I enjoy about projects such as Wednesday night service and even the stuff we do with Cleveland, because it’s simple and manageable steps for people to engage with the poor (or the poorer) that doesn’t take too much of a radical shift for folks. And when we engage, we learn that people, with fewer resources then us, aren’t different from us, and that they have as much to give us as we have to give them.