r and R

(Pro 22:16 KJV) He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

How many people today are living very well under the game plan of helping the poor?  I don’t know the answer to that question.  I do know that one reason religious organizations do better than government agencies at helping the down and out is the question of cui bono?  That is fancy Latin talk for “Who benefits?” 

I will accept that there are many people serving as social workers whom sincerely want to help their clients.  In today’s world they can make a habit of helping them climb out of poverty and go on their way.  It does not seem to happen often.  One reason is lack of genuine motivation.  If you are successful as a social worker you will eventually work your way out of a job.  Even if you never run out of clients the constant turn over will generate a lot more work for you. 

Churches, on the other hand, benefit by lifting people out of poverty.  They have a chance to add them to their fellowship where they can become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.  If you want to be crass, they might also start making contributions.  You benefit by lifting people from the mud.  And that doesn’t even factor in the fact that God has told us to do so.

So?  Each Christian has a responsibility to be a small “r” redeemer of the lost.  A big part is introducing people to the big “R” Redeemer, Jesus.  He is the one who will make the real difference.