(Begin Stott) These human but godlike creatures are not just souls (that we should be concerned exclusively for their salvation), not just bodies (that we should care only for their food, clothing, shelter and health), nor just social beings (that we should become entirely preoccupied with their community problems). They are all three. A human being might be defined from a biblical perspective as "a body-soul-in-a-community". That is how god has made us. Therefore, if we truly love our neighbours, and because of their worth desire to serve them, we shall be concerned for their total welfare, the well-being of their soul, their body and their community. Our concern will lead to practical programmes of evangelism, relief, and development. We shall not just prattle and plan and pray, like that country vicar to whom a homeless woman turned for help, and who (doubtless sincerely, and because he was busy and felt helpless) promised to pray for her. She later wrote this poem and handed it to a regional officer of Shelter.
I was hungry,
and you formed a humanities group to discuss my hunger.
I was imprisoned,
and you crept off quietly to your chapel and prayed for my release.
I was naked,
and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.
I was sick,
and you knelt and thanked God for your health.
I was homeless,
and you preached to me of the spiritual shelter of the love of God.
I was lonely,
and you left me alone to pray for me.
You seem so holy, so close to God
but I am still very hungry - and lonely - and cold.
So many Christians have been involved in coming alongside the poor and powerless, the sick, addicted and imprisoned since the time of Christ, not only serving their immediate needs, but also seeking justice on their behalf. Why have they done it? Because of the Christian doctrine of man, male and female all made in the image of God, though all fallen. Because people matter. Because every man, woman and child has an intrinsic, inalienable value as a human being. Once we see this, we shall both set ourselves to liberate people from everything dehumanizing and count it a privilege to serve them, to do everything in our power to make human life more human. (End of Stott)
Some Select Scriptures that Come to Mind
Mark 12:28-31 (all NASB below)
One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Matthew 25:31-46
To just pick out a verse: Then He [Jesus] will answer to them, 'Truly, I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'
James 1:26-27
If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Heavenly Father, forgive us of our apathy and self-centerdness. Cleanse my heart and renew it to the sensitivity of Your own which despises injustice and lovelessness, especially from we who know your love and forgiveness in Christ. His work on the cross was the quintessential showing of love for the unlovely and loveless, faithfulness to the unfaithful, selflessness to the selfish, help for the helpless. Oh God, the showing of grace to rebellious sinners, of who I am chief. We praise you Lord, for the indescribable gift of your Son Jesus, who is our propitiation. Lord, help us to follow your commands, give us holy motivation and empowerment to act in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have called us. Thank you Father, for your infinite grace, we groan for the day when you will make all things new. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Soli Deo gloria,
- The Reader
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