Does charity teach salvation principles? Let’s consider this from a position of someone in need. I sometimes think about what I would be willing to do to provide for my family and the answers are frightening. I can see myself trying to forage for food, supplies, and other opportunities, but what if nothing I did seemed to bring relief? Could I get to the point where I would suffer the indignity of begging? Yeah, I probably would, but the emotional cost on me would be devastating. I wondered then what it would be like if somebody came by and gave me exactly the kind of help I needed. I’m not talking about lifting me completely out of my plight, but rather someone who was able to meet an immediate need so my family and I could have comfort for at least one evening. I would be grateful beyond my ability to express my gratitude. What if that “somebody” came back and helped again, but this time asked me how I got into this position. Would I be able to speak with integrity about the choices that led me here? I mean, I already feel like a complete failure for having let my family down. Then I think, “What the heck. Why not just spill my guts to this guy. He is just trying to help and I need to get this off my chest anyway.” After spilling my guts the guy leaves but doesn’t really give me anything. Oddly though, he seems to have taken a great deal of stuff with him. I notice my burden seems lighter, as though just sharing helped relieve some of my guilt and suffering. I find myself wanting to spend more time with this guy. Fortunately, I get too. Over time, I find myself changing my habits and routines. Opportunities are easier to see, but they are no less easy to seize than they were before. What’s different? Is it me? What did this guy do that made such a change in my life? I find myself wanting to tell others about what I have experienced here. Thanks to Him, I think I’ll be alright even though things are still pretty tough. How is this different from salvation? The guy (Christ Jesus) comes looking for us like God came looking for Adam in the Garden of Eden. Remember that Satan came too. Only Christ came to give us a chance at life while the other brought only death. Is this the same contrast between God and government being charitable? Before we can accept help, we have to recognize we need help. Giving us what we want doesn’t always help us. In some cases, we might have an “I” problem. What if the root cause of my plight is ME? Until I am ready, willing, and able to change my behavior (repent), I can expect to experience the same results: death. God wants to give me liberty but what form of government charity ends in anything other than dependency or slavery? Matthew 25:34-40 is the parable where the King says, “When I was hungry, you fed me.” This is under a section of judgment. Remember that judgment has to do with our soul’s eternal destiny. Both Old Testament and New Testament passages tell you and me to be charitable. You know what it says the government should do for the poor? Treat them fairly and equally in court…where they are judged by man (Exodus 23:3, Leviticus 19:15, Proverbs 29:14). It isn’t until we accept the gift of the One who sought us, and we change our ways, that we begin to experience TRUE liberty. How is that different from salvation? We will still have to suffer the consequences of our past but at least we can have hope in the future.
Posted on: Sat, 14 Sep 2013 09:38:52 +0000
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