Some people think the world is in terrible shape. To a certain degree I would agree with them. The world would, however, be in a lot worse shape if it were not for the fact that Jesus Christ calls his disciples to take care of those who are hurting, lonely, poor, or hungry.
Jesus said we will always have poor people around us and that we are to help care for them. Acts of compassion and institutions of healing have sprung up throughout the course of history, all in the attempt to care for those who are in need physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
When it comes to providing assistance, Christians need to be discerning in their response. There are far too many unscrupulous persons who go from church to church looking for free money. They don’t have an emergency need, but rather a desire for someone else to pay their bills or support a habit.
In my 35 years of being a pastor I have heard some pretty wild and creative stories people have concocted in attempts to elicit an emotional response so I would turn loose church funds to them. I have also heard some simple and compelling explanations for a request for help. While listening, I ask for God’s discerning spirit so I can make a proper and good decision.
I believe we need to be discerning because I do not believe we are called to throw money at persons who could otherwise care for themselves but have chosen the ways of deception, self-perceived entitlements, and/or laziness. Even Jesus said “no” to some persons.
We are called to aid those who have truly fallen on hard times. In our communities there are those who are desperately in need of food, clothing, and shelter. They are often ignored by their families, their friends, and have very few places to which they can turn. They do their best to eke out a living. But there are times when circumstances cause them to seek extra assistance.
The Body of Christ is called to aid those who are less fortunate, to help people find a way out of their predicaments, to seek justice for those who are treated unfairly and to work for equality for those who are victims of prejudice.
Jesus said, “When you did it to the least of these, you did it to me.”
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Helping those in need