December 12, 2006

Worthy

He preaches exactly ten minutes and then sits down. He condemns sin, but never steps on anybody's toes. Works from eight in the morning until ten at night, doing everything from preaching sermons to sweeping. He makes sixty dollars per week, gives thirty dollars a week to the church, drives a late model car, buys lots of books, wears fine clothes, and has a nice family. He always stands ready to contribute to every other good cause, too, and to help panhandlers who drop by the church on their way to somewhere. He is thirty-six years old, and has been preaching forty years. Is tall on the short side, heavyset in a thin sort of way, and handsome. He has eyes of blue or brown (to fit the occasion), and wears his hair parted in the middle, left side dark and straight, right side brown and wavy. He has a burning desire to work with the youth, and spends all his time with the senior citizens. He smiles all the time while keeping a straight face, because he has a keen sense of humor that finds him seriously dedicated. He makes fifteen calls a day on church members, spends all his time evangelizing non-members, and is always found in his study if he is needed.

Some time ago someone forwarded this to me. Perhaps the sender was trying to send me a message. I’m not sure. People want to be sure they get their money’s worth.I know I do. When it comes to working with those living in poverty we want to make sure we get our money’s worth, too. Robert Lupton, an urban community worker, paints a great picture of a truly worthy poor person.

A truly worthy poor woman: A widow more than sixty-five years old living alone in substandard housing. Does not have a family, or relatives to care for her. Has no savings and cannot work; has an income inadequate for basic needs. Is a woman of prayer and faith; never asks anyone for anything but accepts with gratitude only what people bring her. Is not cranky.

A truly worthy poor young man: Is out of school, unemployed but not living off his mother. Diligently applies for jobs every day; accepts gratefully any kind of work for any kind of pay. Does not smoke, drink or use drugs: attends church regularly. Will not manipulate for gain either for himself or his family; is dependable and morally pure. Does not act “cool” or “hip” like his peers on the street. Has pride in himself and is confident; may sleep in alleys but is always clean and shaved.

A truly worthy poor young woman: Lives in public housing (only temporary). Has illegitimate children conceived prior to Christian conversion; is now celibate. Tithes her welfare check and food stamps; is a high school dropout and manages well with limited resources. Places a high value on education and nutrition for her children. Walks everywhere (grocery store, church, welfare office) with her children to save bus fare, and keeps her sparsely furnished home spotless. Occasionally runs out of food at the end of the month, but will never beg for handouts.

A truly worthy poor family: Is devout, close-knit. Has a responsible father working long hours at minimum wage wherever he can find work. Has a mother who makes the kids obey, washes clothes by hand (saving the expense of the laundromat), and will not buy junk food. Lives in overcrowded housing. Will not accept welfare or food stamps even when neither parent can find work. Always pays the bills on time. Has no automobile. Has kids that do not whine or tell lies.

Many want me to be sure that those who receive items really deserve it. No one wants to be lied to, manipulated, or taken advantage of. On the other hand, I don’t feel I need to degrade someone by checking their “worthiness” in order to give them a loaf of bread, a coat, or a pencil that was donated to me. I am so glad that Jesus doesn’t check my “worthiness” before I am forgiven or blessed. If that were the case I would be still living in poverty, spiritual poverty. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)3