The Poor Among Us

Do you consider yourself as poor? The answer will depend on who you are comparing yourself to. Your net worth compared with much of the world population would most likely make you rich. However, when compared with most North Americans, your net worth may be considered in the poverty section. Recently, a study was done in the region I live in, and it determined that in some communities up 40% were living in poverty (Slocan Village) and other communities as low as 10% (Rossland). The city I live in, Nelson, came in at 19.1% of the population did not have enough money. Interestingly, the gap is growing between the wealthy and the poor in Canada each year. (https://www.nelsonstar.com/news/study-casts-new-light-on-poverty-in-the-west-kootenay/)

It is not just that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, but there are more poorer people than ever before. Jesus said, the poor you will always have with you. He was right of course and continually, there are more of them.

What should be our response? We have been developing a sermon series called Words to Live By, a studying from the book of Proverbs. In this book of Wisdom there is a lot said on poverty, the poor, and the response we ought to have towards this new social construct that is developing in Canada.

In fact, the treatment of the poor is addressed throughout the Bible. The evangelical wing of the North American Church has in most part ignored the teachings on the poor. Instead, we have taken the view, poverty is a consequence of their behaviour and lack of spiritual and moral discipline. Sometimes that is true. But often, there is a story behind the poverty we know nothing about which explains the predicament they are in. Our response should be one of kindness and grace. The way we treat others, Jesus said, “it will be done unto us.” Solomon says, “If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.” (Proverbs 21:13)

I want God to hear my prayer and I don’t want God to treat me as I deserve. I want God to be gracious with me, when I do stupid things; forgive me, when I go against his will; and provide for me, when I make financial blunders. So if I want God to be this way with me, it is incumbent upon me to do the same with others.

Let us take the words in the book of Wisdom to heart when it comes to our treatment of the poor. I leave you with this thought: “He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy (emphasis is mine) honors God. (Proverbs 14:3) Let’s honor God together.

This Sunday, I will be continuing in the Words to Live By series. Our subject will be on the subject of the poor. I think you will find it interesting, encouraging and motivating. I encourage you to bring a friend along, either in person or online. If you are coming in person, don’t forget to register before noon on Friday.

Sunday Celebration

This Sunday, we will be meeting personally at the church @10:30am. We are so glad to be able to gather again, your presence is so important. We really need you to confirm your presence for us to be able to prepare the hall properly to receive you. So please do not hesitate to contact us; we need this information to reopen the church. The usual online options (Facebook and KCF.Online.Church) will also be available.

Jim Reimer, Pastor

June 24, 2021