Just a Thought

I was reading (no, I didn't finish it - yet) a book called Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger by Ron Sider. Though not finished, I think it might be one of those books that every Christian in North America needs to read. He makes some eye-opening points, some of which I am still digesting. In the book, he explains what Scripture reveals about the people of God and their ownership of material things. He presents the idea that, though God grants us a "right" to own stuff, it is always trumped by our responsibility to meet the needs of the poor. There is much more to this, but that's the general idea.

This week is Thanksgiving and, if your family is like ours, this is traditionally the time that we exchange our gift lists for Christmas. I have mixed feelings about such a practice. Nonetheless, that's what we do.

In light of these things and my last post, I thought I might throw out a thought. Catch it if you want, or let it go right by you. It isn't earth-shattering. It's "Just a Thought."

This year, instead of making a list of things solely for you, put something on your list that will specifically meet the needs of the poor and oppressed.

There are a lot of great charities doing a lot of good work to meet those needs. Perhaps there is a homeless shelter nearby that has need of some gifts. How cool would it be to call and ask the director what gift the shelter needs most, then play Santa!

My absolute favorite gift catalog is from World Vision. I want the goat! See the catalog here.

The Christian Children's fund also has a similar catalog.

Oxfam is working all over the world to eliminate poverty and injustice.

Anyway, you get the idea. I am sure you can think of something that would be fun to "get" for Christmas. You may have to pitch the idea gently to those receiving your list. And if it offends them, then maybe it's not worth pushing. But, I'd like to think most gift-givers are happy to give what the recipient truly wants.

But before you leave, let me just say this - It is really easy to read someone else's blog and develop an idea of them that is completely contrary to reality. So I want to admit that I have many things to work out in regard to applying what I am learning from Rich Christians. I am not even close to caring about the poor as much as I think scripture commands. I fall way short. But Paul and I have been doing something similar to this for a few years and it has been a blessing, so I thought I'd throw it out there.