No Money

Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat!

 - From Isaiah 55

It is true, that a major point of the Old Testament, is that we should have compassion for the needy.

"Compassion" means, without judging them. You don't put conditions on them, before serving them. You share unconditional, godly love towards them. You know . . . just give them something to eat!

But that is not where it ends. The feeding of them, is the beginning of a more meaningful relationship. So many of us do this "good work," that is, to go downtown to a sandwich ministry, and feed the needy. But then, we go back home again, to our well-equipped, safe, and well-provisioned house in a secure neighborhood.

The people we just served, surely see this. They see our cars, the way we dress. We disappear, and lose the chance to help them in sustainable, long-term ways.

This ministry, to serve the needy is, therefore, usually an end in itself. It is the response to some altar call, to "get involved." But it should be the beginning of a productive relationship that builds the kingdom via new and vibrant friendships.

In 2020, we judge people with "no money." For twenty years now, I have been mostly active in schools, and in the performing arts. I work with youth and the elderly. It is a highly valuable mission. I'd love to enjoy some support, like most ministries do, without having to exert most of my energy into asking for the support.

But I've even had a pastor tell me, once, that "People don't take you seriously, because you don't appear to be successful."

How deep, and wide, does this attitude permeate our culture, and what are its effects vis-a-vis the Church expanding its reach?

In the end, people with "no money" will be filled and satisfied. All they have to do is show up. We should be striving to have that be what our mission, our ministry, and our church, looks like.