In Response...

The blog I wrote last week about the guy from Angola has had some interesting responses, and I'd like to clarify a few thoughts and throw out a few more ideas. (If you haven't read the comments, you may want to take a minute to do a little perusing now.)

In response to the anonymous commenter: I think, for the most part, I agree with you. On one hand, I realize that I am from the United States, and because of my background I possess more wealth and opportunity than many in the world. However, I am by no means saying, "Yeah it's not my fault, I didn't choose to be born in the US" and leaving it at that. That is the last thing I want to say.

Secondly, there's no question the Lord calls different people to different vocations in all walks of life. Some are called to be engineers and teachers and lawyers. As the anonymous commenter pointed out, some, like Solomon are born with silver spoons in their mouth.

The question I'm posing is not: How do I get rid of my silver spoon? But rather, since I happen to have this spoon, how am I using it? Am I using it for my own edfication, or am I feeding others with it, too? To speak less metaphorically: How am I using my calling to serve God and others? Am I a good steward of the resources the Lord has given me?

Personally, I would like to think the answer to this question is yes, but meeting people like the man from Angola reminds me that it's good do do a little self evaluation every once in a while. The way I use my resources affects others in a very real sense. (And by the way, when I use the word "resources" I'm not just talking about money--opportunity and influence play a big part, as well.)




On a slightly different topic: I'm a little wary about the comment, "We are not to be advocates, but rather continue the advocacy Christ did (continue the ministry of reconciliation)." Maybe I don't fully get the gist of this statement, but if anonymous means that Christians only need to worry about saving souls and reconciling the "unsaved" to the the Lord, I disagree.

Yes, being a faithful person and knowing the Lord is important. Very important. But how can you care about a person's soul without caring about the rest of them? People aren't just souls--they are physical beings who live in a physical world and experience physical pain. I love the fact that when I read the gospels and look at Christ's ministry, I find that Jesus didn't just preach salvation. He healed sick people and fed hungry crowds. He cared for people's bodies and their souls. I can't think about this topic without the words of Matthew 25 coming to mind:

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my
Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation
of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty
and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I
needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in
prison and you came to visit me.'

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever
you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

I have a hard time accepting ministry that is without advocacy. If Christians are not the ones to advocate for those who need it most, who will? Not to mention, advocacy for those who can't care for themselves is probably one of the greatest testimonies a person can give.

And one more thing, on the topic of people with wealth choosing to live in voluntary poverty: As Becrowe pointed out, "even such ways of living brings us no understanding of what it is like to live in a cycle of povery." It's true, voluntary poverty isn't quite the real deal. People who choose poverty almost never end up in intractable poverty--in other words, the person choosing to be poor doesn't get stuck in the cycle of poverty themselves. However, I don't think we should knock voluntary poverty as a bad idea. The church has a long history of supporting communities of people who choose to live in solidarity with the poor. Recently, I read a book by Scott Bessenecker entitled "The New Friars." The book details movements of Christians who choose to give up their wealth and commit their lives to others. It's a fascinating and unsettling read. I highly recommend it.

Thanks to all for their thoughts and encouragement.

Anonymous, I'm intrigued. I look forward to hearing from you soon.