Oct 14, 07:55 AM by Mike Mitrovich
If all seek to be poor, none will be
With the United States in the middle of an economic downturn, it seems only fitting that this year, Blog Action Day would focus on the topic of poverty.
Looking around at a great need and the efforts of so many to combat that need, I have to wonder what my voice can lend to the conversation. What do I know about poverty?
For me, the current economic situation in the US materializes in pretty selfish ways. I roll my eyes and moan at gas rates as I fill the tank in my SUV. I pout because I can’t buy all the latest games for my Wii. I downgrade to the $4.00 grande instead of the $5.00 viente when I stop by Tully’s for coffee.
I was much closer to that poverty line when I was younger. I remember food stamps. I remember subsidized lunches. I remember hand-made and hand-me-down clothes. But the memories are faint. And certainly not congruent with the lifestyle I live today.
I know that there are those who pray daily that their current situation could be a faint memory. I also know that there are things I can do to help. But the problem seems so big. To help a little seems like not helping at all, and to help a lot… well, I’d have to sacrifice the things I’ve worked hard for.
It occurs to me that in an effort to “stay ahead”, me and others like me are leaving many behind. And yet I say I follow Christ. However, I bet that if we all sought to be poor, none of us would be. If all of us had the primary focus of giving giving giving, in the end we would probably still have more than we started with.
Jesus said,
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5: 3-10
According to Jesus, blessed are the things I so often hide from or turn away. I am much of the above, but seldom admit it. I call my strength a weakness and name it humility.
There is financial and emotional poverty in our cities. On our streets.
There is much spiritual poverty riding in nice cars and dressed in nice clothes, drinking $5 coffee, saying pious words and warming pews on Sundays.
May the God of mercy deliver me from both.
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2 comments on "If all seek to be poor, none will be"
1
Really touching and beautiful post, especially where you open with the “Sacrifices” you’ve made since the economic downturn. I saw myself clearly depicted, and was abashed.
Thank you.
2
Hi Amber, thanks for your comment. On the one hand, it’s great to know that I’m not alone. On the other, what can we do? How do we motivate one another to practical action instead of enable each other towards a more selfish mindset?
I think I may have to actually spend some time reading over the blog action day blogs and see what others are doing.