The 'poor' search for what they need

It is easy to steal from the poor, but don’t do it. And don’t take advantage of them in court. The Lord is on their side. He supports the poor, and he will take from those who take from them. (Proverbs 22:22-23)

W.C. Fields once quipped, "A rich man is nothing but a poor man with money." A poor man with money - imagine if you will the scenario of being 'rich' in all the ways a man can imagine, but poor in all the ways God sees. The richest of men can have the poorest of spirits and most burdened of souls! We are not living to impress God - we are not earning his approval by our actions. We are 'approved' through the gift of his Son's blood at Calvary, but if we don't turn over the 'possession' of our life to Jesus Christ, we are poorer than the one with no funds, no property, and no means of obtaining either except to beg. 

Why do you think Solomon started with this one instruction in his list of thirty instructions? Perhaps it is because the 'ease' at which we 'steal' a man's dignity reveals the true intentions of our heart. The one who has given his life to Christ realizes we are all cut from the same cloth. No one is a 'better' person than another. No one is above need - to turn against anyone in 'need' is to do the unthinkable. Take care of those who are in 'need' within your circle of influence, with more than physical means - show them the love and grace of Jesus Christ so they may become the 'richest' among men. 

A poor man will find some way to have his needs met, even if it means searching endlessly, and settling for less than what is really needed. Doesn't that describe the state of a soul that isn't redeemed by the grace of God? A poor man will 'dig through' unthinkable 'filth' to find the scrap he hopes will satisfy his soul's deepest longing. We have the means by which to help them stop 'digging', but we must stop long enough, care deep enough, and give of ourselves often enough that they can be introduced to the very thing they need the most. 

Jesus met the woman at the well, not because he was just thirsty and needed a drink. He met her there because she had a need she had not been able to meet, and he had the means by which meet it! We meet the 'poor' right where they are - then we reveal the means by which their hunger and thirst can finally be relieved - Jesus. Let your life be one of seeking out the 'poor' in spirit so the abundance of grace and love that Jesus has to give them is brought into their deepest place of 'need'. The life you bless may just be your very own. Just sayin!