Wisdom from a Fortune Cookie

A fortune cookie I found said this, "No one would remember the Good Samaritan if he only had good intentions." 

While sitting in Atlanta with a ministry director, who serves a large homeless population in the city center, he shared with me how frustrating it is when suburban churches show up in his neighborhood to do their "good works."  Their van rolls in, they jump out with sack lunches, socks, gloves, and then they jump back in and drive out before the sun goes down.  They have great intentions but fall short of the Good Samaritan Standard.

For many in the urban core, they resent it when outsiders show up to "help the poor people," then leave as quickly as they appeared.  When we come bearing gifts, giving them away with no effort required on the recipient's part, we help to perpetuate an entitlement mentality.  We are really no different than any other government handout.

Those recipients learn quickly what days you show up, what you are bringing, and what kind of games they need to play in order to get their stuff - fill this out, show this documentation, hear a sermon, whatever?  But does this lead to real transformation?  Don't get me wrong, you can make a great difference in some people's lives.  There will be some who accept Christ, get off drugs, or have a real life change.  But when the smoke clears, the neighborhood remains in bondage, people blinded by the darkness.

So before you load up that van and head to "that part of town," think about this:

• Who is already living in that area doing ministry?  Go visit them and see the work they are doing.  Are they building authentic relationships with the people?  Does the neighborhood like them?  How are they empowering those they live around?
• Ask them what they need and what you can do to assist them in their efforts.  They will know what the neighborhood could use and how you can be a blessing to them.
• How can you walk side-by-side with this ministry?  Can your folks team up with theirs to make a greater impact?  So when you do leave town, they will still be present to follow-up with those you ministered to.

I encourage you to think beyond good intentions.  Pray and ask God to anoint you to do good works that will lead to making disciples and not making dependents.  Need some help with this?  Give us a call and let's talk.