Each year CLDI is blessed to host interns to work with us in our efforts of seeking to redevelop the South Side. Not only do these interns provide us additional laborers to engage our community, but I am also provided the opportunity to invest spiritually in the lives these young people that have an obvious and sincere heart to serve the Lord. Throughout the nine months an intern spends with us, in addition to looking at Scripture to learn about living our lives as disciples of Jesus, we also read a number of books that touch upon such topics as: God’s agenda of gathering unto Himself people of every, nation, tribe and tongue; what is the “Church” and the Body of faith; Christian community development; and God’s heart for the poor.
Recently we were reading Ministries of Mercy and Timothy Keller had this to say:
“The Bible tells us very little about the government’s role in caring for the needy. It does seem fair to infer that such a lack of information at least means that the work of mercy is given by God more primarily to the church and the family than to the state. But it seems just as reasonable, in light of God’s judgment on the nations and Joseph’s example, that the state has a responsibility to help its poorest members. But as we look at these three social institutions – family, church, and state – we see that the closer the covenantal connection, the greater the responsibility” (p. 82; *bold print mine).
As we approach yet another season of political elections we hear many of the same points of discussion, finger pointing, blame and all while a slew of false promises are offered by both the left and right. One of many topics that are often up for debate is what to do with the “poor” and such issues as unemployment, homelessness, and the housing crisis. I am by no means a politician, just a lover of Jesus, but it seems to me that as we have become more complacent in our faith here in America, so have we (both as believers and non-believers) become all the more expectant that it is the responsibility of our government to “fix” these problems that we have created for ourselves. Ironically, not only do we place this responsibility upon others, but we also have great hope that real change will happen, and when it doesn’t, we are quick to accuse those whom we have elected.
What I appreciate about Keller’s quote is that it is not the responsibility of our government to love, serve and care for the “poor”, rather, it is the responsibility of the Church (not the building but the people of God) and the family, those in close covenantal relationship with those in need. Paul further emphasizes this point in 1 Timothy 5:8 when he says,
Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
There is much that could be unpacked regarding this verse and topic, but for the sake of brevity I will simply ask, “Church, what are YOU (thus, WE) willing to do about those in need among us?” We have got to stop looking to the government to take care of those no one else wants to deal with. As the Church, the true Bride of Christ, we must emulate a new reality and Kingship as we live as people who are accountable to God as we seek to love Him and our fellow neighbor. Lets own up to our call and accept the responsibility to love our “neighbor” among us. This may be within your own family, neighborhood, circle of friends or one you meet in need as you go about your life. I assure you, to do so will not be easy, it is a terrible mess and very costly. But isn’t this the gospel, that while we were still sinners, Christ came and died for us? So we of all people have great hope for we seek and serve the One who truly can bring about change, our Lord Jesus Christ. Come on Church, let’s get to work!
Eric Basye
June 2012
