Thursday, September 21, 2006
 

Charity


If you asked anyone on the street what "charity" they support, most of them could probably give you an answer. Here in our own community of Kanner Lake we have an "Unplanned Blessings" committee that serves to take action for raising funds, providing assistance or prayer for residents that find themselves in a crisis. I happen to serve as the chairman for that committee. During our monthly meeting last week, an interesting discussion unfolded. I forget who brought it up, but one member made the comment, "I hope I never end up on our service list."

That comment really struck me. Isn't it funny how we all like to give charity but none of us want to receive it. This is certainly true for me. Truth is, I hate accepting help from anyone because I don't want to appear weak. Does that mean that I find the people I give to "weak?" Of course not. So why the double standard? If everything we have comes from God, and He has promised to meet all of our needs, why do I feel that my needs will only be met by the works of my own hands? I don't really, but that is what my actions reflect.

Tomorrow I'm tagging along with a group that is going to feed the homeless. Usually the group takes extra clothes and items to hand out as well. As I was packing up some extra clothes, coats and blankets to take, I suddenly felt I was doing things all wrong. I don't want the people I meet to feel like "charity," but to feel sincerely valued. Instead of taking the things I could do without, I'm taking some of my best. I'm praying that I will honor every person I meet and that they will know that God loves them deeply and that we, their neighbors, care too.

Deuteronomy 15: 7-8; 10-11: If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and towardbthe poor and needy in your land.

There will always be poor; one day it could be me.

--Jared Moore

Posted by ~ Bailey Truitt @ 7:00 AM
Comments:
"Instead of taking the things I could do without, I'm taking some of my best"

Wow, Jared, if everyone did this, can you imagine the power it would have?

You're a blessing to this community. Keep up the good work.
Posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 9:31 AM
 
What a deep post. Thanks for the thoughts (and the challenges). Why is it so hard to accept a blessing from others?
Posted by Blogger Cara Putman : 8:54 AM
 
Jared, I recently encountered a similar situation. God's been working on me to be more gracious and accepting of the gifts others want to offer. After all, who am I to deny someone else a blessing because of their giving heart? I don't want that on my head.

Pride goes before a fall. I gather we could all use a lesson in accepting charity.
Posted by Blogger Tiffany Amber Stockton : 3:54 PM
 
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