Remembering the Poor

One of the things that God seems to be speaking to me about lately is the importance of remembering the poor. In his famous book entitled A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens describes the time when old Scrooge met two gentlemen who were attempting to collect money for the poor. They said: "a few of us are endeavoring to raise a fund to buy the Poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth. We choose this time because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices."

When the two gentlemen asked what Scrooge wanted to donate, he simply replied, "Nothing!" He went on to say, "I wish to be left alone...It's not my business...Mine (business) occupies me constantly. Good afternoon, gentlemen!" The word "poor" can be defined as "having little or no means of support," and the word "poverty" means "the condition or quality of being poor" (Webster's New World Dictionary). In light of these definitions, and Scrooge's comments, it is interesting to find that the Scriptures say very little about the things most Christians would be concerned about today - quality of meetings, variety of programs and events, youth concerts, parties, etc. What the Scriptures do seem to encourage - perhaps more than anything else (next to loving God) - is that we "remember the poor" (Gal. 2:10, NIV).

It is interesting to note that the first "organized event" in the early church was "administering a food program" (Acts 6:2, NLT). The end result of this "event" was that many people (especially the widows) were helped, which in turn, propelled the church to become a voice for the poor and oppressed. This has led me to ask a very important question about my own life and ministry: "How often do I think about the poor?" Perhaps more importantly, I find myself wondering how often I make attempts to break the cycle of poverty that exists for many people here in our city.

As I face another Christmas this year, when as Dickens wrote, "Want is keenly felt," I want to take the time to think afresh about how we in this coming year can help break the cycle of poverty that keeps many people in the world trapped. Perhaps you'll join me to do the same.