“He
who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go
unpunished.” Proverbs 17:5 NKJV
It
is not always easy to discern between the poor who have gotten caught up in
unfortunate circumstances, and the poor who refuse to do for themselves.
Without being actively engaged in relationship, there is no way to “just know” how
things really are. Because we generally have everything we need, and some
more than others, it is hard to understand how someone can reach such a low
point. Especially for those who have never had to work, who have never
had moments of uncertainty, whose parents have always given them what they need
without question, it is virtually impossible to appreciate how or why others
struggle so. This is why Jesus teaches of danger to those whose entire
lives are dependent on money. Deep down many do not see the blessing
intended for blessing others. They only see entitlement.
We
are all, however, in danger of falling into this trap. When Jesus teaches
of the dangers of wealth and the “camel through the eye of a needle”, He is not
speaking exclusively about bazillionaires! We are all one step away from
the snares that so easily entangle when we can so easily forget our Maker when
we have plenty. The book of Judges alone can teach us this, and it
is a safe bet that the whole nation of Israel was not a nation of
bazillionaires.
I
wish I could see more easily through those who come to the church I serve, for
instance, needing food or a utility bill paid. The resources are not
always available; but even if they are available, I get caught up in trying to
decide whether the request is genuine or if I’m just being played.
Frankly it usually feels like I’m being played because these who come to my
door rarely say “thank you” – and NONE return for worship though they are
always invited and encouraged to explore such a relationship with a people
willing to help.
And
there is the spiritual dilemma for many. It is when we “mock” those who
come and go so easily without really understanding who they are and where they
come from; it is when we gain some perverted sense of satisfaction in believing
they are getting what they have coming to them. Rich or poor or anywhere
in between, it is a common challenge we all face.
I
don’t know what the answer is, of course, and this is the point. There is
too much we do not know and cannot know if we do not care to go to the trouble
of finding out what the whole story is. We do not care to get past that
cursed “you can just tell”. As it is written, “pride goes before
destruction”. Pride in our intellect is as dangerous as pride in our
stuff!
Lest
we forgot, “our” Maker is “their” Maker. “Our” God is “their God” even if
they call their God by another Name – or no name. As Jesus was crucified
for “us”, so was He also crucified for “them” – whether one believes it or
not. As we judge, so are we judged – “saved” or not. We must not
let our abundance or our lack convince us we are somehow better or more favored
than another, for our God and Father does not show “partiality” (Acts 10:34).
I
suppose the lesson for us is that it really does not matter whether we can
accurately discern. St. Paul did not seem to mind being considered a
“fool” for Christ. Maybe we should not mind, either.
Blessings,
Michael
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