Many times I’ve told myself that I wasn’t going to go there. That I wasn’t going to push this topic. That it wasn’t worth the fight it may bring, but lately, it’s really eating at me. I’m seeing things that just break my heart. Today is one of those days. I found this comment on a facebook post from World Vision, as they asked for support for Japan after the recent earthquake.
First off, Japan’s government injected a large sum of cash into their own markets. Not US markets. But that’s beside the point.
What breaks my heart here is the sentiment that we need to take care of our own country FIRST. Our countries are based on man-made borders. And who are we to say that one person is worth more than another? That’s essentially what this comment says. It says that a person living in the United States is more important than someone in Japan. Or Africa. Or South America.
“Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?”
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'”
– Matthew 25:44-45
See, I’m pretty sure that Jesus didn’t mean “but you know, it’s cool if they live in a different country”.
This is the type of thinking that we absolutely have to get past. We are ALL children of God. We are all the same. And, especially in the United States, we’ve been greatly blessed.
“For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” – Luke 12:48.
Underneath it all, we really are all the same. As Christians, we really need to step up and care for the needed. Wherever they are.
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I understand your message and agree with your position. Here is where I takes issue with charities.
1) How well do you know your target audience – those you’re trying to help?
I met a young man from Haiti this last winter. We had several intetesting conversations. To make a long story short, we (American charities) totally devastated the rice market, ruining the family rice farmer after the earthquake of 2010. We rich Americans brought in mega tons of rice so people wouldn’t go hungry.
There is a great book: When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett & Brian Filbert.
We Americans are so out of touch with what it means to help the hurting. We throw $$$$ at an issue without taking the time to understand the culture and the real crux of the problems. Jesus took the time to know the people. ☺
Honestly, I think that person needs to work on their grammar first. ;)
But seriously, I agree with what you’re saying. Unfortunately, in this self-centered, spoiled rotten, thoughtless country of the United States, a heart for others and missions rarely ever makes it outside of one’s heart let alone our county. We have it sooo easy and so good here, yet people complain and I have to look the other way, and I see orphan children Uganda who needs my help.
I couldn’t agree with you more. AMEN!