Homeless

Homelessness is an issue that is dividing churches. Some people are very outspoken and encourage others to ignore people on street corners asking for help because they "will just buy alcohol," or because they "should get a job." Others believe we should help those in need and what they do with the help is in God's hand. And many more are somewhere in between.

This morning I was watching a small group study resource by Erwin McManus and the issue of homelessness was raised. The dvd clip that stood out to me actually had nothing to do with the topic of study - it was just a side note. The clip showed a driver at a stoplight with a man on the corner holding a sign asking for help. The clip went over thoughts the driver had about the man and then it ended with a verse - Matthew 25:40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

To be honest, that was the first time I had seen that verse used in that way. An my first thought was - it's about time. You see, I have been wrestling with this verse and the common usage for quite awhile. when talking about this verse most people equate 'the least of these' to poor African orphans or those living in Cite Soliel shanty town in Haiti - and we usually don't hear mutterings about the need for them to get jobs or about what they might do with the help given to them. But there are people in need everywhere - and rather than specify who 'the least of these' - or those in the most need - are, I believe Christ is telling us of the importance of helping people in need, especially other followers of Christ. When we do this, when we tangibly love those who are hurting, we are loving our King.

So what about the homeless man on the corner? Is he hurting? In need? Does he know Christ? Does he need Christ? Is he a con artist, an alcoholic or is he a man "...needing enough for one meal, to humble (himself) enough to beg - to suffer our staring, pitying, disgusted, ignoring, untrusting eyes?"

Did you know:

37% of homeless are families
25% of homeless are children

70% of homeless have NO alcohol or drug problems

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17&18