Christian Challenge at MSC

(Ok, so I’m just posting another blog’s post again.  I feel bad, but not too bad.  There are hundreds of thousands of people out there who are better writers than I am, and in my desire to give you the best to read that I can, I felt that if I didn’t do all the writing, it had to be better than if I just poured out drivel every day.  Don’t worry, you’ll have your fill of my witty prose – I just like to let God speak through others when I can.  Today’s post comes from the compassion international blog.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. -K)

Why We Can’t End Poverty

Written by: Tim Glenn

I
realize that what I’m about to post isn’t going to be very popular. But
I’m willing to post it because I hope it will start a healthy
discussion.

Here it is: Over the past few years, I’ve heard
this phrase come up literally dozens of times at missions conferences,
ministry events, churches, on blogs, etc. The dicussion turns to
poverty and inevitably someone says “this is the generation that can
end poverty.”

I don’t know if I believe that. In fact, I’m not totally sure Christians are called to end poverty. Before you go looking for handy throwing stones, allow me to explain:

First, let me say that I do believe there are enough resources in
our world to take care of everyone. There’s enough food. Enough water.
Enough materials for shelter and clothing. But to make sure everyone
gets their fair share, it would mean an end to greed and corruption. It
would mean a massive shift in human nature. I don’t think this
generation, or any other, can accomplish that.

Secondly, I don’t know of any scripture that says we are called to
rid the world of poverty. We are called to fight injustice. We are
called to be a voice for the voiceless, look after the orphan and the
widow. But I don’t know of any verse that says we are expected to rid
the world of poverty.

And third, I wonder if saying that we can end poverty is contradictory to what Jesus told us:

“The poor you will always have with you…” –Mark 14:7 (NIV)

Granted, a lot of people misuse that quote. They use it as an
argument against doing anything about poverty: “We’ll always have
poverty, so it’s fruitless to try to fight it.” That’s not the point I’m making here.
What many don’t know is that Jesus was actually quoting a passage from
Deuteronomy. That original scripture goes on to tell us what we’re
supposed to do about poverty:

“There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, I
command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor
and needy in your land.” –Deuteronomy 15:11 (NIV)

Notice that the command is not to “end poverty” but to give. To
share. And when a command is given, obedience is what’s expected. I
don’t think we’re called to end poverty. I do think we’re
called to be obedient to God’s command. It’s about taking care of those
who are less fortunate. I think it’s about making sure that no child
ever starves to death for lack of food, or dies from a preventable
disease. It’s about making sure no one has to drink unsafe water. It’s
about making sure everyone has a chance at life.

I think God allows poverty so that His glory may be shown … through His people doing His work … obeying that command.

My boss reminded me of the old ad campaign, McGruff the Crime Dog.
Remember his famous catch-phrase? “Take a bite out of crime.” Not END
crime … but take a bite out of it. I think we can take a bite out of poverty. I think we can stop some of the injustices. I’m just not sure we can end it.

Okay. Now you may grab your stones.