Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Why Does God Allow Poverty?
One question that been asked frequently, is why does God allow poverty, or allow babies to be born into poverty, knowing they will die without food. We are going to touch on this in this coming weekend's message. But the quick answer is, God does not allow this. It's not a God problem, it's a distribution problem. There is enough food in the world to feed everyone. This issue is that it is not distributed evenly. There is enough money collectively to end world hunger, but the money is not distributed evenly. My guess is that God is asking us this very same question..."Why are my children hungry? Aren't you my hands and feet?" The local church is a solution to this epidemic. As the Body of Christ, we can work to be a transforming presence in our communities and in our world. When we hear of poverty, we feel challenged. Jesus said, "When I was hungry, you gave me food." And the disciples said, "Lord when did we see you hungry?" "Whatever you've done for the least of my brothers or sisters, you have done for me," Jesus replied (Matthew 25 - paraphrase).
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2 comments:
I know I'm supposed to give back what I'm given. I have no problem with this in general, but to who/what? I have pledged more than ever before. I'm fine with this as it helps me distribute to those that are in need. There are many who will benefit by this. Being limited in my finances though I sometimes feel I'm not contributing to other good causes. I sometimes volunteer my time to help these folks but I still wrestle with myself that I'm not doing enough?
There's lots of good causes. We all have to make choices as to where our money goes. But tithing and giving is an act of worship, not so much an act of charity. We give out of a response to the grace we've been shown by God...we give out of praise. It's not our tithe, it's God's tithe.
The giving goes towards many great ministries in the church, community, country and world. Through the giving, people experience the loving hands and feet of Christ. Give with a joyful heart, and trust that God will take what you give and multiply it. Volunteer with a joyful heart knowing that God will take the time you share and use it to touch a life in some way. No guilt...all praise!
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