We live in one of the most affluent countries in the world, some would the most affluent. As a result of this, we (I) tend to view the Gospel and the spreading of it in light of this affluence that surrounds me. I sat with a dear friend a bit today, it was hot, unusually hot for this time of year, the sweat dripped down my back and I was just sitting. Air conditioning kept going through my mind. I thought how great it would be when later I get to go home and enjoy it. This friend didn't have ac, this friend lives in a development that is comprised of mostly low income or subsidised housing. Many I know and they are slouches and didn't put themselves in this predicament, it kind of just happened. Maybe there was an injury, maybe it was a layoff, or a death in the family, maybe they served our country, maybe they immigrated to our country for a chance to be free. I imagine the stories are as varied as their backgrounds are.
I got to thinking, actually it has been on my mind all day, am I missing it, is the affluent church of our culture missing it altogether? Are we so consumed with ourselves and "doing church" that we have neglected the very heart of God and His Gospel? One can hardly read any portion of Scripture and not run across the undeniably compassionate heart God has for the poor and needy. There is so much irrefutable evidence towards this that I honestly don't know how we (I) can sleep at night and not come under such heavy conviction from the Holy Spirit. Why am I not more broken for the last, the least and the lost? Especially considering that this was once my story?
Isaiah 41:17 "The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them."
Jeremiah 22:16 "He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me? declares the Lord."
James 1:26-2:19
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We ARE totally missing it in this country. We have turned the Gospel and Jesus into an American affluent way of life. Because of Christ, we claim the right to discriminate against other cultures by our actions (or lack of). We claim to be open-minded but we don't sacrifice to help the needy. It gives us false piety toward other religions, gays, women in ministry to name a few. Wake up America!
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