Christmas Devotion - Day 6
Today's devotional is written by Pastor Jason Hatch, Lead Pastor at Redeemer Church.
Do for ONE...
I have always known that Christians have a calling, even a mandate to care for the poor and the homeless. It’s all over scripture from the Old Testament through the New Testament. My struggle has not been a move from apathy to caring. My struggle has been from caring about the homeless to actually doing something.
Not long ago, I read this verse in James. Keep in mind this was written by Jesus’ little brother. No doubt, James knew the heart of Christ well. Having grown up in the same house as him, yet being convinced his big brother was God, James surely understood what it meant to truly live out the life Jesus wanted his followers to live.
When I read this verse in James, I realized he was speaking to me. James 2:15-17 says, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
For a long time, I have had compassion for the homeless. I’ve been aware of the few hundred in our city that I believe James is talking about. I said all the right things but did nothing. As I have dissected my excuses, I think I understand why my faith stalled out before action… I’m often overwhelmed. Overwhelmed at the number of folks who need help. Overwhelmed about the complexity of causes & remedies for homelessness in Midland.
Somewhere deep inside, I thought that if I can’t make a huge dent in homelessness, then what’s the point. Being overwhelmed by the need, kept me from doing anything.
But what has helped me is to know I’m not supposed to fix everything. But I am supposed to do something. If I just do for 1 person, what I wish I could do for everyone, then I might make a change in 1 person’s life. And if hundreds of people in Midland, did for 1 person, what they wished they could do for every person, we would make a huge difference in our city.
Homelessness in Midland is so complex. And I’m so grateful & encouraged by the way The Field’s Edge is seeking to provide hope, help & a home that is a holistic answer to a difficult problem.
The Apostle John said in 1 John 3:17-18, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
My prayer for my church and our fellow Midland folks, is that our love for God & others, would compel us to share the money we have with those who need help the most. And I think The Field’s Edge is the perfect place to start!