Feed My Sheep
In John 21, Christ tells Peter (more than once) to feed His lambs. We are the lambs. Because we all need to be fed. Physically, spiritually, emotionally, intellectually. But in our modern world, this can get... complicated.
Why is it complicated? Because some people take advantage of the kindness of strangers. They always have. And determining who the advantage takers are feels... jaded. Like we're acting from a mindset of scarcity. Like we're afraid that if we give it'll do more harm than good. Or that we're being manipulated into giving. And sometimes this is true. When you enable someone to continue to be irresponsible or make harmful choices, it is harmful. The road to hell is in fact paved with good intentions.
But how do we find our foundation of faith so that we are giving from our abundance without fear? Well, you may or may not be able to find this. I take comfort in knowing that when the Spirit moves me to give, I have done what God has called me to do. My heart, my pocketbook, my time, my gifts have been given. If someone takes that gift and does harm with it, I cannot control their actions except when I can. What do I mean?
If we are having a big giveaway, free meal, or something open to the public, I feel no need to vet those receiving a blessing from that abundance. We don't check bank accounts before we let people down the line at a potluck. We just share in the abundance because there is always enough at the table (unless it's deviled eggs and then there's usually a need for more, ha!). For me it is more important to feed the ninety-nine greedy sheep who want for nothing than to miss that one lost sheep who really needs the meal, the help, the moment of joy.
But I'm also a bit pragmatic. When the panhandler outside the gas station doesn't recognize me because I'm dressed in professional clothing and tells me the same sad story as last week when I did feel called to give, I know that giving today is not going to be helping if nothing has changed since we last spoke. It makes me feel really jaded that I have made this judgment. I'm not out here fixing the world food crisis or housing crisis or children's medical care crisis or... any of those big issues that are studied and cared about by Christians seeking to live out their faith by following Christ's instructions to feed the sheep and visit the sick and clothe the naked. But it usually reminds me to give to groups or organizations or emergency funds (sometimes called a discretionary pastor's fund) so that individuals with a need can be helped.
Does this fix everything? Not by a long shot. It can often feel like a band aid on a bullet hole. But knowing that we have given all that we have to God means that we have given all that we can to help transform the world. To make it that kingdom we ask for in our weekly prayer. That we seek and hope for on Earth as it is in heaven. And that's where we end. With hope. That it will get better for all people. With God's help we can live in just such a world.
https://www.pbs.org/video/kera-specials-one-crisis-away/
