Why some Christians do not help the needy.

Reasons why Christians don't help the needy.

Why do some Christians (and I use the term very loosely) not help those in need? There is a great need in this down economy for the church to stand up, take up the reigns of charity and help those who are down and out. Many are economic homeless, they lost everything through upside down mortgages that went to foreclosure, leading to bankruptcy, loss of jobs, family dissolution, living in their car, on the streets or in a shelter.

Many of these have no substance abuse issues, no mental illnesses that would prevent them from holding a job that would pay them a living wage. With a job they can rent a house, buy a car, get back into active society and contribute to their community. Many of these I have talked to in Austin are already helping out those who have needs, handing out a few dollars here and there. I have been doing that, giving to all who ask me for a few dollars, which is all I can spare right now. I do have a temporary job, which will end this next week, and can spare some few dollars.

Many Christians in Austin are helping out. There are many churches and organizations that seek to serve the homeless, but there are more that need help then can be helped.

Below I give some of the reasons why Christians don't help the needy, you may think of more. Please consider these, and if one hits you between the eyes consider it the conviction of the Holy Spirit convicting you of sin and convincing you of righteousness and the judgment to come. (John 16:8 )

 Keep in mind that at the judgment we will be judged for how we treated the least of Christ's brethren. (Matt. 25:31-46 ) Will you be judged a faithful sheep or an unfaithful goat?

Let each judge himself (2Co 13:5)  "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" (NIV)


Imminent Rapture of the Saints.

One reason that some Christians (in name at least) don't get involved with social services for the needy is they hold that Jesus might come back today to rapture them out of this world's mess. Therefor why try to patch up the sinking ship, when they will get taken out of it. There are statements from some teachers saying this very thing. In other words, they think they are saved, safe and will be rescued, and to hell with those who are not saved...

Extreme Predestination

An extreme Calvinist view of predestination can make some callous to the plight of the needy. Under this view those who were predestined to be saved will escape the coming wrath of God. Those who are predestined to wrath will go to hell, do not pass GO, do not collect $200.... They see no reason to fight God's predestined will and try to assist those whom God has cursed.

This is very similar to the caste system of Hinduism. Where the lowest caste of society is untouchable by the higher castes. They are considered to have their place because of sins from past lives that cursed them to live as the under class and be like dung on the streets. Cows are treated with more respect than the untouchable caste.

Laodiceans

Rev 3:14-22

14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation.

15  I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other. 16  So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

17  You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

18  I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19  Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.

20  Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and they with me. 21  To those who are victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.

22  Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (TNIV)

These "Christians" think they are blessed of God with wealth, health and their station in life. They don't look beyond their own needs or consider the needs of others. They just don't care. According to John, these are not showing a real love for the brethren and therefor are not lovers of God. (1John 2:11; 3:10,14) They are in danger of being cast out from the assembly of Christ, by Christ himself.

 False Brethren

1Jn 3:15-18

15  Anyone who hates a fellow believer is a murderer, and you know that no murderers have eternal life in them. 16  This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for one another.

17  If any one of you has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in you? 18  Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth (TNIV)

These are lovers of self more than lovers of God. They profess Christ, they attend church. They are members in good standing, some serve in leadership roles. But they refuse to personally assist anyone in need. They will drop their offering into the collection plate, bag or box, they will even earmark it for the poor. But they will never give to someone on the street who asks them for some spare change. They will cross the street if they see a bum down the way from them.

By their lack of practical assistance to those in need, they show they are not truly in Christ, that they are not lovers of God and that they really hate the brethren and therefor are as good as murderers in God's judgment.

Conclusion

Jesus says he stands at the door and knocks. The door is the door of relationship and fellowship with Him. This is addressed to believers, or at least those who claim the name of Christ, those who think they are safe from hell's fire and the judgment to come, not to unbelievers as it is falsely used in some people's gospel presentation.

Believers who think they are blessed of God with wealth and health, yet are really poor, wretched, blind and naked. Real wealth starts with a true relationship with and in Christ and with the brethren. True wealth is laid up in heaven by giving to the poor and needy. Let me ask you all, have you ever seen an armored truck going to a cemetery? You can't take it with you when you die, and all that will count at the judgment is what you have done for Christ and the least of his brethren.

I pray for the grace of God to be shed abroad in your hearts that you might repent and walk in true righteousness, extending help to the needy.