In a world that praises wealth and status, I invite you today to think about the word POVERTY. What does it mean to live in poverty? What do we learn about poverty in scripture? Considering it from God’s perspective may challenge our thinking.
Defining Poverty
Poverty, according to Webster’s dictionary is “the state of being poor.” To go a step further today, let’s focus on the generational poverty which means “poverty that is passed down from one generation to the next.” How sad that some of our siblings in Christ have inherited poverty, and do we not hear in our hearts a calling to support those in this cycle?
Yet, scripture has a different view on poverty than our limited negative view. Scripture in some places seems to indicate that poverty is the result of bad decisions. However, we would be wise not to stop there. Other scripture tells us that often poverty is inherited, or the result of unfortunate circumstances that no one can control.
Teachings on Poverty in Scripture
Jesus said “the poor will always be with you”. He also tells us that those who are poor in spirit will inherit the Kingdom of God.
Another New Testament story about poverty is found in Mark chapter 12. Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were collected. He then watched the crowd put their money into the temple treasury.
Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Now imagine being a poor widow. Without a husband or anyone to care for her, the poor widow likely lived without comfort or security, scraping up every morsel of food to stay alive, and never knowing where her next provision would come from. But when she visited the temple, she had a Kingdom mindset. She thought only of the work of her worshiping community, and gave all she had. While others put in a small bit of their fortune, a token for their faith, knowing full well that their next meal was at home waiting for them, this poor widow showed what it really means to be wealthy.
Challenging Worldly Values
Our world says that financial wellness comes from managing your money. But imagine the wild faith and trust that is required by someone who throws everything they have into the offering plate. Imagine giving EVERYTHING you have!
The beauty of Jesus’ ministry on earth was always this: He used the simple things of the world to confound the wise. He saw the heart, when everyone else only saw the external circumstances. Jesus knew this widow gave everything she had to the temple – to support Kingdom work. Marcus Aurelius said “The only wealth which you will keep forever is the wealth you have given away.” Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God.”
Yes, some are caught in generations of poverty, but when others truly see people, with all the nuances of being human, they very well may discover qualities that make many who are well-off financially seem the truly poor. The first step in supporting people in any hardship is to be prepared to learn from them.
Let us pray: Gracious God, in a world that praises success and wealth, help us to understand the tremendous value of living in poverty. Help us to strip off the material possessions that weigh us down, and hold us captive to values that are not eternal. Help us to consider what it means to give up our comforts, our security, and our passive pleasures to inherit the Kingdom of God. Help us to let go of anything that hinders us from the miracle of trust and obedience. Amen.
Melissa Line
Melissa Line has been the Executive Director for Community Helping Place since June 2019. Prior to that, she worked with families and children professionally for 20 years. Melissa holds a BS in Family Psychology and an MSW with a concentration in Families and Children.