Lost in translation?
October 6, 2009 — Leslie Blake
I’ve often wondered why we (myself included) can read over and over the text of Deut. 15 which deals with giving to the poor, yet continue to ignore the problem. Chances are, we have all passed a homeless person or family on the interstate wanting money or even food. Instead of stopping to help, give, or pray with that person, we continue driving, perhaps thinking briefly, “how pitiful”. I feel like it’s pretty clear cut what God is calling us to do, “open your hand, willingly lending enough to meet the need, whatever it may be” and to “open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land” – the later was even given as a command from the Lord. So the question is, why is the action lost in translation? Why do we still not give and do as commanded by God? From my experience in working with the poor, it is easier for us to forget or pity them rather than reach out our hand to help. Attitudes range from, “they deserve it” or “they’re lazy”, or even “just get a job”. Is it that simple? I’ve got a bachelors and one master’s degree and the job market was hard for me. Why can’t we simply do as God has commanded and give as if we are giving to God? It’s a challenge that I hear and also have a hard time putting into action. But God’s command is clear. Now what??