Forgive.

I have been resistant to the changes in philosophy/theology and thought that have been blowing my way recently.  Authors such as N.T. Wright and men such as Jonathan Martin and Matt Orth have consistently held the same instruction.  We are called to help the poor and oppressed.  We should take it upon ourselves to help change the structures of our world that cause injustice. 

I’ve had no problem understanding that in countries like India or other 3rd world places.  Those people are really poor.  They have very little.  Their children are often placed on the streets because they cost too much for the family to care for. 

I’ve had a more difficult time with the poor in America. 

People in America don’t have to be poor.  Ok, ok, so some people truly have the odds stacked against them, and it would be next to impossible for them to climb out of poverty.  Nobody has a problem with “helping those who can’t help themselves.”

But so many people in our country just don’t take advantage of the opportunities presented them.  We have free public education for all.  Education if taken seriously can open the doors to the future.  It doesn’t guarantee 6 figures, but it practically guarantees a job.  We have free or very reduced medical care, we have free pension plans, we have other forms of assistance, so there seems little reason why most folks should stay enmeshed in poverty. 

Which brings me to the point.  It is certain that there are cultural and societal issues that must be addressed by our nation’s poor.  Having children out of wedlock at clips of 50% and higher puts a huge burden on trying to maneuver out of poverty.  Spending more on rims and clothes than you do on your kids is not good economic practice.  Holding out for management positions when a high school degree is all you have is a matter of pride that many folks need to let go.  A focus on gang life and crime and an attitude that is formed out of the prisons of our country only lead further to the discrepancy in minority representation in prisons. 

So there you have it… pride, social and moral ills, poor economic education and practice, maybe even laziness and an outright disrespect for anything representing authority.  So why should I care for those people? 

Because the Lord commands us to.  I ask for forgiveness for not realizing this Truth earlier.  Who am I to not forgive people for their pride and greed and apathy?  I am simply thankful that the Father forgives me for those same flaws. 

The better question is not why should I help those people, but how can I help? 

dt

~ by dthomas96 on March 10, 2008.