I watched the small group of young adults huddle in the corner of McPherson Square, just two blocks from the White House. They each had a small paper bag filled with something. After some excited discussion, they prayed and started walking toward groups of homeless people scattered throughout the park. They reached into their bags, handed everyone something and said a couple of words. Within 5 minutes they had completed their task and left the park.
One by one, most of the homeless men in the park either dropped their new treasure on the ground or tossed it into a trash can. The “treasure” was a gospel tract. It was the “This Was Your Life” tract. I looked around the park to see if anybody was reading the tract they were given. Not a single person was reading it.
At that moment, I was embarrassed for Jesus. Have we learned nothing from His example? Look at each encounters He had with people; the woman at the well, the 10 lepers, the rich, young ruler, the blind beggar, the lame man by the pool. He invested His time in each of these people and met them at their point of need. By meeting them at their point of need most of them believed in Him. OK, so the rich young ruler walked away. It just goes to show you that some peoples’ hearts are hardened to the point where they can’t change. Accept it and move on.
Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) we don’t have the ability to peer into the peoples’ souls. So it may take us a little longer than our Lord to figure out a person’s real needs. But when we meet those needs, we earn the right to share the Gospel in power.
During Advent, we read with nostalgia the words from John’s Gospel: “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The Word of God must still become flesh to poor and hurting people before they can turn their troubles, fears, hearts and lives to the One who, better than any of us, can turn their lives around. God’s Word becomes flesh through us. Do you want to win the hearts of poor people for Christ? You show them Christ first. Then you can fill in the blanks with words.
God’s grace to you,
Steve Jennings
This reminds me of an article I was reading about missionaries who went to Mexico to help the people who lived in the dump. The missionaries would drop off food and clothing–and say a word for Jesus then leave. There was no local church or organization reaching out to help the people–to guide them and be, like you said, an example. As a result, the people began to live off of handouts. They learned to pawn off the things the missionaries gave them. And they stopped doing the jobs they had in the dump. And all the old problems that existed continued.
I agree with you–“You show them Christ”. You lead by example. There are people who cant comprehend what you have to offer. Or don’t feel worthy. Or something is getting between their relationship with God. So you have to go beyond just giving something out and running away–you have to reach the person with Christ, at the level they are at.
It’s great people want to help. But at the same time we have to be aware of the help we are offering. And aware that the needs that exist may beyond what we see with just our eyes.
Thanks for sharing…Lynn