Thoughts for another day

June 19, 2013.

Today's verse: Pro. 3:27. Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.  (KJV)

(Pls. read the above before you read further.  Thanks)

My neighbor was suffered from pneumonia and acute fever and was advised hospitalization.  He had lost his job; his wife had no job and the children were studying.  She came to me crying, saying they didn’t have money for the hospitalization; that she wanted a small loan which they’d repay.  Well miser that I was, I said I too didn’t have much money; what with this problem and that problem but if she wanted I could give a few rupees (Indian currency) which was almost like giving alms.  She cried, saying thanks for the offer and politely rejected it.  She went, to the neighbors, her relatives and friends; even to the church; everyone gave the same excuse.  But they were all willing to give little crumbs which couldn’t even meet the hospital expenses for a day.

The man became serious; slipped into a coma and was rushed to the government hospital, a dirty place where none moved unless bribed.  The staff was rude and callous and the doctors, well if they got time from their private practice, would spend a few minutes with these patients.  Finally, the man died!  At the funeral, the widow in her address between sobs sorely bemoaned lack of Christian charity; wondering what she’d do now.  At the end of the service, many came to her saying, had she approached them, they’d have helped; what about now?  Well, they replied, come and see us and we’ll see!  And she knew what we’ll see meant!  Ultimately, the lady was forced to do menial work and even had one of her three children removed from college and work!

Now today’s Scripture is pretty cutting isn’t it.  When I refused to help the lady, I knew none would help her and so comforted self, even with the question, were I in her situation, would she help me?  I knew she wouldn’t!  I sat on tons of money, in the bank and in other financial instruments, but a tiny bit, which perhaps wouldn’t even be seen because of the largeness of my fortune would’ve saved her husband, but I didn’t give it.  It made me feel like an animal.  Yea, what a fine example I was of a Christian; a family destroyed because I didn’t want to spare a little money; money sitting in the bank, idling, doing nothing.  It could’ve saved a life, but remained idle.  What good is money if it allows a person to die?  I never realised the power money had to help people, using it always for gratification of self and family.  Would Jesus approve?  Never; and the sad part is there’re many Christians like me who do the same and they’ve absolutely no qualms then to come to church as if nothing happened; and rejoice!  We shouldn’t be rejoicing but mourning for if the love with which the Savior loved us cannot make us love our neighbor appropriately, what right do we have to call ourselves Christian; and think about it…Am I one!  My friend, it’s time we changed and treated the Body of Christ exactly like it is…the Body of Christ.  His blessings will flow.