Some people blame wealthy people for the poverty in the world. They argue that if the rich shared their wealth with the poor, then poverty could be wiped out. However, I do not believe it is the responsibility of the rich to help the poor. Do not get me wrong; I agree it would be nice if the wealthy people in the world shared more. I just do not think that being rich obligates a person to help others.
On the other hand, there is another group that I do believe bears the responsibility to ease the burden of the poor – Christians – more specifically, American Christians. Unlike the rich, Christians are mandated to love others and to help their neighbors. The Bible repeatedly tells God’s people to care for the poor (Exodus 23:11, Leviticus 23:22, Deuteronomy 15:11, Proverbs 22:9, Acts 10:4, and 1 John 3:17-18 are just a few examples). Jesus even said that failing to feed the hungry was possible evidence of a weak or non-existent relationship with our Lord (Matthew 25:41-46).
Recently I read a convicting book by Richard Stearns called “A Hole in Our Gospel.” The book points out the plight of the poor in the world. According to him, 25,000 children die every day from preventable and/or treatable illnesses, including malnutrition and water-bourn illnesses.
In the book, the former president of World Vision USA argues that the Church in America has the resources to alter the world. He points out that American Christians earn over $5 trillion annually. If Christians in the USA dedicated just 0.5% (1/2 of 1%) of their income to helping the poor, it would equal $25 billion. Mr. Stearns claims that would be enough to bring clean water and basic healthcare and nutrition to almost every person in the world.
The book was published in 2009, so the numbers may be dated, but the basic concept remains the same. American Christians could literally end the crushing burden of poverty for almost the entire world’s population with almost no sacrifice on their part. Half of one percent of $50,000 is only $250. A family that earns $50, 000 annually would only need to set aside $5 per week. They would never even notice the loss. A person that makes $20,000 per year would only give up $2 per week – less than a cup of coffee.
God’s Word says, “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more” (Luke 12:48). One of the reason God blesses someone is so that person can bless others. This is true of talents, spiritual gifts, and physical resources. God has blessed the Church in America with great wealth. Therefore, He expects us to use that wealth to bless others.
Just think of what kind of testimony it would be if the Church in America virtually eradicated poverty throughout the planet. The world would see God’s love in practical and undeniable action. Just think of how far the kingdom of Heaven would advance if the world saw God’s people making such a difference. American Christians can do this with the most insignificant of personal sacrifice.
The fact that we do not do this is another kind of testimony. Many American Christians are simply unaware of how easy it would be for us collectively, to make such a huge impact. I know I was. I’m afraid too many others are simply apathetic. They do not consider the poor in the world to be a major concern. I wonder what God will say about that when we see Him face to face. Mathew 25:41-46 looms a bit more ominous in that context.
Gracious Heavenly Father, you have blessed Christians in America with so much. Give us the heart to let just a small portion of those blessings pass through us to help others. Allow us to participate in the miracle of changing the world for Your glory!