Recently, I came back from a three month sabatical in Maseno, Kenya serving with the coptic mission. When I got back, someone asked me an honest question that I had asked myself before – wouldnt it be more help just to donate the money you used for the trip?
Now for me to speak against almsgiving would just be stupid. Anyone whos ever read Saint John Chrystoms “On Wealth and Poverty” or any of the sermons he gave knows that he never ceases praising charity and the necessity of giving to those who are in need, being faithful stewards to the money God has given us. And anyone who does give to charity can testify that its benefit, not to mention the biblical command of tithing and the verse “God loves a cheerful giver”.
However, I believe that just giving money often falls short of what God wants for us. The man who asked this has two children who require food, schooling, clothing, and housing. So I asked him what was better: to give money to support their needs or to take responsibility and raise them. He answered the latter. Did Jesus Christ just send resources so that we could feel better, or did he come and teach us, show us, and even die for us to save our lives?
In the same way, we should give our lives for the children of God. Almsgiving is great, but Jesus calls us to follow Him. The problem is that there arent enough people who love the Lord enough to do that. We talk empty words saying that we love God, but when it comes to anything that cuts into my conveniece, we shy away. Does a parent take care of their childs needs after making sure they have everything they want from themselves? But we only give God and our brothers whats left over after we have given ourselves everything and anything our heart desires.
To our shame, atheists nationally give more money to charity than Christians. Anyone can give money to others to quiet that voice inside saying we should help. But Christ calls us not just to give money, but to give ourselves. Christ calls us to love others as He loved us. Who is willing to answer the call to follow Him?
