23 November, 2024

The Problem of Poverty Needs More Than Prayer

by | 9 May, 2007 | 0 comments

By Mark A. Taylor

Ben Merold was talking about church growth when he made the statement. But I couldn’t help remembering his words as we prepared this week’s issue about poverty.

“You can’t guide a vehicle that isn’t moving,” he told the crowd at the Energizing Smaller Churches Network Conference in Manhattan, Kansas in March. “Do something get started on a project while you’re praying for God to show you his will. That’s the best way to discover what he wants your church to do.”

We see truth in his advice for our individual lives as well. Are you deciding whom to marry or whether, which college to attend, what career to pursue, or how to spend your retirement? Get moving. Pursue some options. In your activity, God will give you direction. You won’t find a job if you never leave your prayer closet. You won’t win the world to Christ if you never talk with someone unconverted.

And you won’t “look after orphans and widows in their distress” or “love your neighbor as yourself” (James 1: 27; 2:8) just by praying or talking or reading about them. Solutions to the world’s poverty rest in our decisions to act.

Many American Christians already harbor hidden guilt about their affluence. When presented with an easy way to meet a well publicized need, they give generously. Many spend vacation time and personal funds to go on short term missions trips. And Christians aren’t the only ones questioning corporate greed and exorbitant CEO salaries.

Yet some feel powerless to make much of a difference. Overwhelmed by the world’s needs and separated from the world’s power brokers, some Christians shrug their shoulders and just retreat into their own comfortable routine.

This is playing into the devil’s hands. We can do something. We can find a missionary feeding the hungry and help him feed more. We can discover oppression of the poor in our own community and give days or dollars to relieve it. We can tutor. We can donate clothes and furniture. We can volunteer in clinics or kitchens or food pantries. We can teach classes. We can try one of the action steps suggested in this week’s issue and next.

And with each attempt we can pray. God will guide and give strength as we combine action with prayers. But if we only pray for the poor without working to help solve their problems, our prayers will do little to help. Their needs and God’s concern for them are too great for us to let that happen.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Articles

Ministry Help Wanted

Recent postings: A director of campus ministry is needed at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). Stillwater (Pa.) Christian Church is looking for both a lead pastor and a youth pastor. Lexington (Ohio) Church of Christ is seeking a full-time senior minister. Norwin Christian Church in North Huntingdon, Pa., needs a full-time worship minister. Lycoming Christian Church in Linden, Pa., is seeking a minister of children, youth, and young adults. Michigan City (Ind.) Christian Church needs a senior minister. And more . . .

Stories

By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .

Documentary Highlights Christian Response to Pandemics

Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.

Used of God

I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.

Sam E. Stone: ‘He Tried to Speak the Truth in Love’

In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.

Elliott Library ‘Cornerstone’ Laid

Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.

The Death of Evil

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw in minority groups’ struggles for social equality in America a parallel with Israel’s bondage in Egypt. King envisioned God’s goodness would deliver the U.S. from the evil of segregation.

Mark Scott’s Greatest Kingdom Impact

Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.

‘Have We Plans for 1921?’

“All the Standard asks is the opportunity to serve, and it yearns to render in 1921 the greatest, finest, and best service of its history. . . .”

CCLF Concluding Strong First Year in Greater Cincinnati

In its first full year, the Christian Church Leadership Foundation has accomplished much to ensure Christian education and resources would continue to be available to people in the Greater Cincinnati area.

News Briefs for Dec. 9

Items from Timber Lake Christian Church (Moberly, Mo.), Choateville Christian Church (Frankfort, Ky.), Johnson University, and more.

My Counsel for Young Preachers

If I were counseling an aspiring young preacher fresh out of Bible college or seminary, champing at the bit to lead in the church, I would offer these three bits of advice.

My Memories of Marshall Leggett

By Ben Merold
As I think about Marshall Leggett, who passed away on March 2 at age 90, two personal experiences keep coming to my mind . . .

Powell Quintuplets Graduating from High School

When the Powell quintuplets were born in 2001, all of Kentucky celebrated, including Southeast Christian Church, where the Powells are longtime members. Now the quints are 18 and are all headed to the same university.

Reentry: It May Be Harder Than We Think

When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.

November 24 Study | Free at Last

If there is anything that should cause us to give thanks this week it is that God has provided an eternal home for us.

November 24 Application | No More

Sin’s devastating effects have plagued this fallen world ever since the Garden of Eden, but “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13).

November 24 | Discovery Questions

These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “The Battle is the Lord’s” (Revelation 21:1-8; 22:1-7, 18-20), by Mark Scott.

Our Gated Community

The Lord’s presence will sustain us whenever the “gates of Hades” and their leader (Satan) pose a threat.

Follow Us