As Christians … We Help People ... Go To HeavenSample

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Step Out in Faith

Christians take some hard (and not always undeserved) hits for being unhelpful to those in physical need. The Body of believers will always be a target for accusations of hypocrisy and wrongdoing. Believe me, as pastor of a large church, I’ve heard my share. But let me ask you this: How many soup kitchens or pantries or shelters or hospitals in your town have no church affiliation whatsoever? Seen any “Soup Kitchens of the Pop Star” or “Hollywood Starlets for the Homeless” in your city lately? Neither have I. My city is filled with hospitals named after saints and denominations. But how many atheist hospitals can you name? If you remove Christianity from history, you have just removed an overwhelming amount of help to society. The history of most aid organizations can be traced back to Christianity, or at least to one Christian devoted to helping people.

As believers, we can have a far deeper impact than a compassionate movie star or a government program. I’m so grateful for the social awareness and generosity we see in our world, but Christians have even more to offer. We are not serving to relieve guilt over our blessings but to transfer our blessings to another in such a way that they see Jesus working through us. More than a better earth, we desire a filled heaven. Get creative and take a step of faith. Realize what Christ has done, and in that strength, help someone in need and, most importantly, tell him or her why you did.

Step one: Realize what Christ has done for you.

Step two: Identify the need and meet it.

But be aware that this help is not the end. It is a tool to discuss their ultimate need: a relationship with Jesus.

My wife drives an SUV with two kids in the back seat and Cheerios scattered on the floor-board, fitting the soccer mom persona. But in the center console reside several zip-lock bags with a can of Vienna sausages, peanut butter crackers and a pamphlet that shares the gospel. When we see a homeless person, and we often do, my son rolls down the window and hands the bag to the person. We have yet to see someone drop to his or her knees in prayer—most just want cash—but the person says thanks. Our first goal is to help, but we also want to teach our children something about ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of people.