Helping the Poor is Not Enough

I sat down on my bunk, across from another soldier, just after chow.

He was fairly new to our unit, and after asking him some basic questions, I learned that he is (1) incredibly intelligent, (2) entrepreneurial, and (3) financially comfortable.

Unlike many in such a position, he does not exult in his IQ or money. He loves engaging in philanthropy, and after many failed attempts at it, has found a pastor that is helping people people on the ground level in Asia.

Inevitably, I try to draw conversations toward one's faith and upbringing. These topics are harder to get at, but once there, they offer a wealth of insight into someone's basic beliefs and assumptions. This soldier grew up Roman Catholic but didn't reflect much on the teaching. He only became more serious about Christianity after a relationship fell apart to college and he started attending a Baptist church.

Even so, neither he nor his family currently attend church. He also doesn't have confidence in the truth of the central claims of the Gospel. So I tried to connect the dots between his lifestyle and priorities (family and philanthropy) and his need for the Gospel.

"You love to help needy people. Are you needy?" I asked.

He knew that I didn't specific what type of need. "That's a good question," he replied. "I don't know how to answer it."

"I really appreciate how generous you are with your money, but how are you able to relate to those you are helping? How can you empathize and identify with them if you are not needy?

The Bible says that even our good deeds are like filthy rags before the Lord. Don't you think that it's important to address your need before God, even as you are helping others?"

(By the way, one of the reasons why these hard-hitting questions are allowable and by God's grace occasionally effective is that I have tilled the ground with lots of questions and interest in other parts of peoples' lives first.)

The soldier acknowledged that it was time to start looking at these things again. He knew he should probably take his family to church regularly, and his wife is pushing him to do it. But he is wary the anti-intellectualism and attempts at relevance. "If you think it's true--just tell me," he said, referring to the church. "Don't try to make it easier with catchy songs or sayings. Stand on what you believe."

I agreed wholeheartedly. "Don't go because you want to check the box or think it might be useful. Go because it is true. If Jesus is who He says He is and did what we know He did, then it's a game-changer. And if your wife is pushing you to do this, why don't you heed her wisdom and step up for your family's sake?"

He told me that he will start looking for a church. I will follow up with him. Please keep him in prayer!

*"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)