Almost every child of God...
Illustration
Almost every child of God has had the experience of seeing or being confronted by a person in need. Many of these situations cause one to pause and ask whether or not the person is really in need. Deep in our hearts are the words of Christ: "Whatsoever you have done to these the least." A new chaplain in the city of Detroit stopped at the corner of West Grand Boulevard and Van Dyke for a red light. Suddenly there was a knock on his car window. Standing there was an emaciated-looking person in extremely poor and dirty clothing. His hand was out and he asked for "any change you can spare for a person in need." Reaching into his pocket, the driver willingly shared with this person in need. He was happy to help. Later as he shared the experience at a local congregation, he discovered that this individual lived in a nearby group home and had stationed himself at the same corner for the past eleven years. The call to Christian charity often presents a fine line between those who are in need and those who are simply using the system. Each of us must decide how and when we will fulfill the words of Christ: "You have done it unto me." The choice is not always easy or clear-cut. -- Reisen
