Thursday, December 9, 2010

A Response to Social Justice

On a newsletter mailing from Lighthouser Trails Publishing, they make a reprint of a missionary lady in Kenya.  I think thiks is a great answer to those who say we need social justice, and the eradication of poverty, espeically those in the Church.  Let's focus our eyes on what is truly important.
*****

I keep being told poverty must be eradicated. Everything is geared to that point of view. But, how can you convince a man who has "nothing" in the eyes of the world, that he is poor, when he sees his small garden is producing, his cow is giving milk, his children are healthy, his wife is happy and the chickens are laying? Well, his house may be made of mud with a thatched or iron sheet roof, the floors may just be dirt, he doesn't even have electricity and you wonder how can he live without a TV or a car. He doesn't have indoor plumbing and has to gather firewood to cook, but he is HAPPY!! What is wrong with this man? Well, this man is a Christian living deep in the interior of Kenya and though the world doesn't understand, he is a very happy man because he has in his possession something no amount of money can buy! A treasure above all treasures, and he is at peace and content just the way he is. I think poverty depends on how you understand it.




What is this wonderful treasure? Why, it is the BIBLE! The very Word of the One who created everything. The Bible has treasures beyond any human wealth.Those who understand this are truly the richest people in the world!! They can abase and they can abound. Their course is steady and they know the one they follow is faithful and true and that he will never leave them nor forsake them. He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. When your mother and father forsake you He will take you up...a nursing mother may forget her child but he will never forget you. He has engraved you upon the palm of his hand.



The Word of God tells us that God KNOWS our every need and that we are to seek His Kingdom first. He will supply our NEEDS . . . food, clothing, something to drink. He tells us not to worry about these things, we are to cast every care upon Him for He careth for us.



The Word of God tells is IF we be risen with Christ our eyes will be on the things above, not on the things of this earth.



I must be faithful to speak the Word of God and to point people to Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God, not to the material things of this world no matter how much better it will make their present life. So, yes, "some" people see the material and physical needs of others and are more concerned about their present condition in THIS world. Well, I'm sorry, but I will do what I can to help you, but my most important focus is on where you stand in your relationship with Jesus Christ FIRST.


I keep being told poverty must be eradicated. Everything is geared to that point of view. But, how can you convince a man who has "nothing" in the eyes of the world, that he is poor, when he sees his small garden is producing, his cow is giving milk, his children are healthy, his wife is happy and the chickens are laying? Well, his house may be made of mud with a thatched or iron sheet roof, the floors may just be dirt, he doesn't even have electricity and you wonder how can he live without a TV or a car. He doesn't have indoor plumbing and has to gather firewood to cook, but he is HAPPY!! What is wrong with this man? Well, this man is a Christian living deep in the interior of Kenya and though the world doesn't understand, he is a very happy man because he has in his possession something no amount of money can buy! A treasure above all treasures, and he is at peace and content just the way he is. I think poverty depends on how you understand it.




What is this wonderful treasure? Why, it is the BIBLE! The very Word of the One who created everything. The Bible has treasures beyond any human wealth.Those who understand this are truly the richest people in the world!! They can abase and they can abound. Their course is steady and they know the one they follow is faithful and true and that he will never leave them nor forsake them. He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. When your mother and father forsake you He will take you up...a nursing mother may forget her child but he will never forget you. He has engraved you upon the palm of his hand.



The Word of God tells us that God KNOWS our every need and that we are to seek His Kingdom first. He will supply our NEEDS . . . food, clothing, something to drink. He tells us not to worry about these things, we are to cast every care upon Him for He careth for us.



The Word of God tells is IF we be risen with Christ our eyes will be on the things above, not on the things of this earth.



I must be faithful to speak the Word of God and to point people to Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God, not to the material things of this world no matter how much better it will make their present life. So, yes, "some" people see the material and physical needs of others and are more concerned about their present condition in THIS world. Well, I'm sorry, but I will do what I can to help you, but my most important focus is on where you stand in your relationship with Jesus Christ FIRST.



I want people to have the bread of life before they have the bread of this world, I want them to drink from the river of life, the living waters that you can drink and never thirst again, rather than a soda that will cost you money, ruin your health, and make you thirst again.

No comments:

Post a Comment