Galatians 2:9-10
“and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.”
Isn’t it interesting that when Paul was commissioned to take the message of Christ global, the only request that the leaders and so called “pillars” of the church had, was that they remember the poor. Clearly taking care of the poor, as seen lived out in Acts as well as spoken of in other letters of Paul was central to the mission. And when we look at the message of Jesus, we see exactly why they would have said such a thing. Jesus constantly taught on selling one’s possessions and giving it to the poor, as well as several parables, clever comments, and teachings on the rich and the poor, and what was neccesary to follow him.
As the Church of the 21st Century, how do we take heed to the same ancient caution and exhortation that was given to Paul and Barnabas 2000 years ago to Remember the Poor? Freestyle with me…
Drew G. I. Hart 
This is hard. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do.
Dru, you have hit a sensitive (and very important) spot with this one. I agree with Jolene, this is hard, but unlike her, all too often I do know what to do… Unlike the posts you put up regarding politics or civil rights or what is the Gospel (where we can all show that we too have an opinion) this isn’t up for my opinion. This is one where I hear Jesus’ words, “What is written and how do you read it?” and I have to respond!!! I sort of cringe because too often I remember the poor right after I’ve spent a good chunk of money on something nonessential for me. Why didn’t I remember the poor before I spent the money?! At this point I can only confess that I fall short more often than I would like. I tithe the full amount – but I’m not gifting or seeking out those whom I could help above and beyond the tithe.
OK, I’m convicted.
Thanx.
I’m gonna do something about it.
Thanks for your honesty… I think most of us if honest are in the same place… realizing that even with the best intentions, we often waste lots of money on things that we do not need. Our desire to give to those less fortunate is often not on our radar as much as it should be, while the pull of consumerism and materialism is constant. We all need that ancient reminder from the apostles of how we ought to live as the people of God… bearing witness to a God that is generous.
I know I am continually challenged, and continually convicted in this area to step it up more, and raise the bar in “intentionally” looking for those who could use a helping hand.