We've all seen the gut-wrenching pictures of “the poorest of the poor;” many of us have been on mission trips to third world countries and have experienced the poverty first hand. But, how do we inspire others to engage with the “least of these"? To care for people outside their “bubble"?
David Platt’s book, Radical, has been transformational for a large number of people I know. Folks have downsized, sold their second homes, their luxury cars, their “extra” stuff and moved to third world countries to live out the authentic Christianity that Platt describes in his book.
On the other hand, and Platt says this, "If everyone in American Christendom followed suit, there would be no Christian wealth to fund relief efforts, send missionaries or provide the resources that are needed."
This is a hard one. I don’t know of any mature Christian mentor who feels that he does enough for the poor, the prisoners, the widows, or the orphans. So, how can you challenge yourself?
The answer is only found in seeking God through prayer. We have to individually seek the Lord, asking, “Lord, what would you have me do with regard to these human needs and my resources?” Then we must simply obey His instructions... do what He says.
We learn more about God in a moment of obedience than in a lifetime of sacrifice. Only through my individual submission to His will and obedience to His leading will I find peace when it comes to helping the poor and using my influence in the world.
Here’s what I’ve come to:
Satan wants to paralyze us. He wants us to do nothing and to keep quiet. We can’t give in to that. If we can only do for one what we wish we could do for everyone, then, at least, get started.
