Emptying Self and the Poor

Introduction

Our vision statement includes the following: Our vision is that we are a place where our lives more closely resemble Jesus’ ministry as he walked, talked, and touched those who were hurting, rejected, and ignored. Our vision is that we are the place that champions the cause of those who have little power in this world. As we continue to look at our vision statement and how we need to think like Jesus thinks, we are reminded that Jesus identified with the poor. Philippians 2 tells us that he emptied himself in order to become a servant. While Jesus was comfortable among all, it was the poor who were especially drawn to him and it was the poor that Jesus spent much of his ministry with. Why? In order to build relationship.

In our study time together, we are going to look at how as followers of Jesus we can be like him. Thinking as he thinks, we want to empty self in order to serve and build relationships. We find great joy in benefitting others. We find great joy in being like Jesus. While we may use terms such as sacrifice, such sacrifice is an opportunity to reflect the character and nature of Jesus. And as followers of Christ, to sacrifice our own desires so that others may see him is our greatest joy. For this life is not about what we want but about what the Father wants. Let us worship with joy.

The Facts

Perspective is needed about this subject. What I am going to share with you is almost 10 years old, but even in these tough economic times, our distress pales in comparison to others.

The U.S. economy outproduces the combined economies of 47 poor countries. These 47 countries represent 53% of the world’s population. Fifty-six percent of the world’s population lives in extreme poverty. These individuals live on less than $730 per year or $2 per day. Half of the world’s poor—28%—live on less than $1 per day. Americans on average fall between $46 and $92 per day. To discover your own wealth, take your income and divide by 365. This will be your per day living wage.

Americans spend on average $3,400 per person each year on food. They spend $.20 per day on cosmetics, perfumes, and skin and hair care products; $3 per day on furniture; $3 per day on clothing; $6 per day on gambling; $7 per day on transportation; and $9 per day on food. The United States has 6% of the world’s population and has 34% of the world’s wealth. If your income is $61,000 per year then you are in the top 10% of the wealthiest in the world. The top 10% own 85% of the world’s wealth.

Enough statistics. Unless you have missed the point, we are wealthy—disproportionately so. It isn’t even close to equal. I’m aware some of you are saying that you don’t have that much. You aren’t in the top 10%. Let me be blunt. Don’t justify. Allow your heart to be touched and your mind to be convicted. When our sociologists and economists talk about the haves and the have nots—we are the haves.

Let me put it another way. It is impossible for everyone in the world to live like we do. The world does not have enough resources or wealth to allow everyone to earn the same amount of money. Is it any wonder that people want to come to America and try to live like Americans? As I heard someone say years ago, “we have been having a party and not invited others to join.” Let me say that this isn’t a political message. We can’t change the attitude of America but we can change our own attitude and we can begin to think like Jesus thinks.

Listen again to our text: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” This spiritual principle was being used to make a financial overture. Paul wanted the Corinthians to complete the opportunity to take up money for the poor in Jerusalem. Paul uses Jesus as the example to follow. Not just material wealth but this would have been included was given up so that those in poverty might become rich. A spiritual principle to identify with those in poverty.

Application

So what does this mean for us? Are we to sell houses, cars, and other material things in order to identify with the poor? Are we to become destitute in order to enable others to become wealthy? Becoming poor will not solve anything. We run the great risk of enabling another to only take our place in possessions. Let me suggest something for your consideration and then some practical means by which we can identify with the poor.

First, learn to live a simpler life. How do we do that? We learn to say “no” to our wants. So often the idea of needs is confused with wants. And with that confusion comes the urge to use wealth for self rather than living with less. Additionally, we must be thinking about ways to do with less. Like Jesus we learn to become poor so that others may benefit. Let me suggest some very specific things to think about.

I know one member here who has changed the cable coming into the house to the lowest possible level. This change has resulted in about $40 per month being given to those who are in real need. Go out to eat less and use that money to help others. Reduce the heat in winter and decrease the cool in summer. Not only will you use less resources but the savings can be used to help others. Buy less food. Avoid the junk food and use the savings for others. Don’t worry about the latest fashion. I’m not trying to dissuade you from enjoying life, but to be intentional about how you spend money.

Second, with a simpler life in place, look to give your wealth away. Give funds to places where they assist the poor. Church Health Center—Carol Redden could help you understand the mission of this group. Agape—Kari Neiman or George Kohlbacher could help you with this group. Healing Hands International—this group in Nashville helps assist in the providing of medical supplies to poor countries and assist in digging wells for clean water. Disaster Relief Effort—supported by churches of Christ, this group goes into areas in America after a disaster. Village of Hope—see Megan or Rebecca Goddard about this group in Africa providing shelter, food, and education for orphaned children in Ghana. Sleeping bags for the homeless was one effort that we all took part in and there will be other opportunities to identify with the poor. Some of you may have your own favorite organizations to assist. If you want to share those, then send them to me and we can share that information with each other.

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” Let’s be like Jesus with our wealth.

Follow Jesus

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