I often wonder why I am so slow to really GIVE and help those who are most in need in our world - the AIDS victims, refugees in war-torn countries, those starving, and the list goes on. How can I in one moment be moved to (some) action and in the next just let life slip by and live "as normal" in America? Great meals, all of our to-dos, and our endless entertainment really can't be what we were made for.
David McKenzie says it very well at www.hope-international.com
Inviting the Poor Into Our Lives
Imagine for a moment that your life is at risk. You are desperately poor and live in a place the world has forgotten. You lack the wherewithal to change your circumstances or save yourself. Death is either imminent or coming far sooner than you would have ever expected.
Yet there is a measure of hope. You have heard there are people out there with the wherewithal to save your life. In fact, any one of these people could save your life without putting themselves or those they love at a comparable risk either physically or financially. To save your life, nothing of even near equal or comparable significance would need to leave their possession.
But then it happens. You are told that no help is coming. And, in the few moments it takes to comprehend what you have just been told, you know one thing is for certain - the end of your life has begun in earnest. It appears that no one out there was willing to put aside the relatively insignificant things that have come to characterize life in the first world for something of far greater significance - your life. And so it ends.
This year alone, millions of men, women and children will die. Some will die of starvation. Some will die from diseases that are totally preventable and curable. In the end it is not starvation or disease that takes their lives, it is neglect. Not theirs but ours.
Friend, the question before us today need be no more complex than simply asking ourselves this. If we know about and can prevent terrible happenings such as starvation, disease and death, without causing anything equally terrible to happen to us or those we love, why wouldn't we? Why would we not say, "Yes I will help" when we know in our hearts that there really is no comparable sacrifice required to save lives. Why wouldn't we follow the words of Christ, the great friend of the poor, and invite the poor into our lives through sharing of our blessings?
Perhaps exploring and examining our reasons not to give is how we find out why we should give, as much and as often as we can.
- David McKenzie
Hit it on the head, huh?! Now, what will it take for me to really get it...to really take the plunge and spend myself for those who I KNOW I could help...or will I let this opportunity die with me some day.
Consider sponsoring a child today, in Jesus name! Kristi and I have done so for years. Follow this link to learn more:http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?referer=57813
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