It’s the first of the month, so you know we are talking about Jesus.
Link: http://goo.gl/H7X4U
I came across this four minute video a couple months ago through my great twitter network. It provides a little humor along with serious thoughts for consideration concerning our Treasure Principle book discussion.
In the clip, Stephen Colbert took me back to the days of my youth when we wore the “What Would Jesus Do?” bracelets. Particularly, “What would Jesus do in reference to the poor if he walked among us today?” The fact is, “Jesus is alive,” and the Holy Spirit that lives in all Christians gives us the power needed to respond in the same manner that Jesus did during his three years or so of earthly ministry.
I know that there is the great Christian debate about the role of government and the role of the church. I’m not as convinced as other conservatives that the Bible is as dogmatic about that great divide as others may so passionately proclaim. I will say that God calls the church (meaning individual believers in the saving work of Jesus Christ) to account in reference to our care and concern for the poor. Because individual Christians are present and working in various capacities (including the government and within the four walls of a church building), we should all be working together to raise awareness, express love and concern, and care for the poor.
Here are the scriptures to reference concerning the video:
Luke 6:30-36 (Big picture: We are to show mercy – understanding, pity, compassion that most of the time is not deserved – to others, just as God shows mercy to us…particularly when they do not have the means to return the gesture)
Matthew 19:24 (Big picture: Jesus tells the rich young man to go and sell everything before following him. Jesus does not give this instruction because it’s his requirement for all rich people, rather Jesus knew this person’s heart, and the young man placed his value, hope, and treasure in the things that he possessed. He was unwilling to part with his riches and therefore, he could not follow Jesus completely.)
The majority of Americans (even the lower class) are extremely wealthy compared to people living in poverty all across the world. The government has instituted ineffective social programs because the church has failed to fulfill God’s call to care for the poor. Maybe now that the government is slashing programs, the church will regain its focus concerning those that God has called us to serve.
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:33-34 (NIV)
JOIN US for our The Treasure Principle book discussion on Tuesdays this quarter and learn how to store up your treasures in Heaven! Chapter 4 discussion on next Tuesday.
God calls us to love the poor and care for the needy.
Do we really want to?
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A SISTA'S JOURNEY 
I was sharing the principles of TTP in a conversation with my husband and it turned into a discussion about the role of the church in aiding the poor and working in the community. We came to the same conclusion as you Tasha, that the church has failed to step up to the plate. It is time for us to answer God’s call to help the poor instead of furthering our own interests. We truly are a wealthy nation and there is no excuse for people in America to go without. The current economic situation presents a great opportunity to introduce or re-introduce people to the church through outreach to the poor and less fortunate here in our own country. Hopefully more churches are able to answer the call to aid people not only within their congregations, but outside of them in cities and towns across America.
Amen, Carrie! I pray that God will strengthen us to “be the change that we want to see in the world.” We are the salt and light of the earth. Blessings to you on this day. Love, Natasha