There is no comfort in poverty

[Classik]

God doesn't want to see His children suffer in poverty. The original plan is obvious, that He made and placed Adam and his wife in Eden, a very comfortable place.
Sin messed all up.

If the poor should be remembered by the rich, and always, there will be comfort everywhere. Some are battling poverty because we have refused to be our brothers' keepers. Particularly, there should exist no poor Christian, if we are willing to show love to others as Christ instructed us.

Some may not agree with this, and I am not a prosperity preacher.
Please can anyone prove otherwise: that there is happiness or comfort in poverty?

Remember we are placed in a very rich Earth - Providence

 

[evenifigoalone]

Technically my family has under the U.S. poverty level for more than the last decade (taking care of a disabled parent who had been the one bringing in most of the income before his disability being the biggest reason), but that isn't the same as people who live in true poverty, not knowing when their next meal with be and such.

 

[Christ_empowered]

I think poverty is terrible. I'm biased. My family was middle class back in the day, and some mental health "professionals" decided to teach me a lesson by making me live in poverty. Thing is...I had $$$ from parents and small jobs I could handle, here and there.

Anyway, what got to me wasn't the lack of stuff and all that, but the crazy stigma and cruelty people of higher status would treat me with, especially if they thought I was "gettin' uppity" (yes, its the south). I was scrutinized. Everything about me was criticized and analyzed. My "confidential" health records were shared. As one redneck-y guy yelled at my little apt. over a garage about 3-ish years ago: "this is what poor people go through!"

My story has a happy turn because of Christ. Many people are trapped in poverty and have to deal with the cruelty, exploitation, and victimization that go hand in hand with a lack of resources.

 

[Malachi]

I think poverty is terrible. I'm biased.

If you recall, the *treasury* of Christ and the apostles (maintained by Judas) was used not only for their own needs, but also for the poor. While Judas was not really that concerned, the lesson is there as a principle.

Also, when the first church -- which was established in Jerusalem -- came into existence, those who had houses and lands sold them ans shared their wealth with their poorer brothers and sisters. Hence we have the appointment of deacons who would ensure that the needy Christians (especially the widows) were looked after.

 

[KevinK]

What little I own I wish I didn't. I was ruminating this with one of my closest friends (we met studying martial arts decades ago, and we are not just friends, we are "brothers"), and we both agree we wished we lived in a monastery somewhere, with nothing to our names. I have but one small physical possession I would try to save in a fire; it's basically irreplaceable.

 

[reba]

I have lived in poverty ... as a child i have lived in a tent more than once .. more then once we lived 4 in one room then 5 in one room...
I have known some very rich people.. with houses on both coasts .. butlers drivers maids cooks ...
I was always richer by far then they

 

[Christ_empowered]

yeah...I think for me poverty was compounded by ill health and being ugly and despised in the community. Bad combo.

I just wonder...well, with all the contempt dished out to a lot of poor people, how can they do much of anything? My own experience here ("The Bible Belt") has been that, once you're "poor white trash," you're supposed to know your place. Don't get uppity. Poor people don't really matter to the community around here, that's for sure.

And just the way "poor white trash" is treated...for instance, I have very pretty hair. Its thick, its wavy, its glossy, its a pretty, unique color. I used to be balding. So, because I was considered "poor white trash" until recently, people have a problem with my hair. And my excellent skin. When I was "poor white trash," I even had dudes picking on me when I was checking out at Aldi. I mean, one dude said sexual stuff to me, in public...because I was a "trailer park f@g" who didn't "know my place" or something.

I escaped poverty and all that because of God's work in my whole family's lives--me, my mom, and my dad. Lots of people are stuck in "poor white trash" class for their whole lives. I don't know how it is in other parts of the country, but around here...once you're in that category, its hard to escape.

 

[evenifigoalone]

Seems like a good question to ask is what sort of life was the Bible referring to when it talks about caring for the poor? I would suppose it means people with basic needs that they cannot meet themselves due to low (or no) income and an inability or limited ability to have an income, right?
I guess in that light, some can be more "poor" than others. Being poor in a first world country is usually not going to be like being poor in Africa or something. (Though people are homeless in first world countries, too.) But all still need help.

 

[Malachi]

My own experience here ("The Bible Belt") has been that, once you're "poor white trash," you're supposed to know your place. Don't get uppity. Poor people don't really matter to the community around here, that's for sure.

This certainly looks like an excellent mission field where both the material and spiritual needs of the people can be met by Christians with a heart for the despised.

 

[dianegcook]

God doesn't want to see His children suffer in poverty. The original plan is obvious, that He made and placed Adam and his wife in Eden, a very comfortable place.
Sin messed all up.

If the poor should be remembered by the rich, and always, there will be comfort everywhere. Some are battling poverty because we have refused to be our brothers' keepers. Particularly, there should exist no poor Christian, if we are willing to show love to others as Christ instructed us.

Some may not agree with this, and I am not a prosperity preacher.
Please can anyone prove otherwise: that there is happiness or comfort in poverty?

Remember we are placed in a very rich Earth - Providence

There is no comfort in richness also.

 

[Christ_empowered]

diane makes a valid point. Most of my wealthy relatives (not super rich, but...) are way too focused on material things, on the here and now, on how much they have...and how much so and so has. This is true even of the Christian relatives. They practice a different sort of Christianity from most Christians, or at least that's my impression. The Christianity of "the haves" is remarkably different from the Christianity of the "have nots," and even different from the faith of the "have some."

 

[Classik]

There is no comfort in richness also.

There is no comfort in the riches provided by God for His people too?

 

[Classik]

The gift of God makes rich and adds no sorrow.

 

[for_his_glory]

diane makes a valid point. Most of my wealthy relatives (not super rich, but...) are way too focused on material things, on the here and now, on how much they have...and how much so and so has. This is true even of the Christian relatives. They practice a different sort of Christianity from most Christians, or at least that's my impression. The Christianity of "the haves" is remarkably different from the Christianity of the "have nots," and even different from the faith of the "have some."

Your post reminded me of these scriptures:
Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

[eddif]

Pretty great thread.

Proverbs 30:8 KJV
Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who isthe LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

Before the Holy Spirit came either physical riches or physical poverty could be a trap.

Paul learned (led by Holy Spirit) how to be content in either condition.

Matthew 5:3 KJV
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus was talking to the disciples in private, so he did not have to use parable type teaching. Poor people are a type / shadow of the truth about the inner man: (Humble / non arrogant / no huge ego / no chip on shoulder). Jesus came as an example.

Most all the poor scriptures are but hints about the inner man.

Most of the rich scriptures can show a trap of being so concerned with things that can consume a persons mind so much, that there is no place for God thoughts. (See scripture above).

Just remember your calling has something to do with all this discussion.

eddif

 

[dianegcook]

There is no comfort in the riches provided by God for His people too?

Riches doesn't give me comfort, as God gives me comfort.
I have a roof over my head, food in my belly, I am content.
I try to be rich with the Word of God.
Rev.2:9
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, ( but thou art rich)
Matt.6:19-21
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal,
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through to steal.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Besides, I usually give my money to family members or those who really need it, lol.

 

[Angel]

I have been homeless.
I ate by the kindness of others giving me their change. I would sit outside a circle k with my boyfriend and ask or hustle in some way. He was very attractive and we got more change than I ever did on my own.
I admit that I used some of the money for beer and cigarettes. I used to drink Old E.
Now, whenever I have change for homeless people, I give it to them. I know that they may spend it on alcohol, but I would rather take a risk and help them anyway. Sometimes people can be sneaky lol. I gave this guy 20 bucks to buy diapers for his child and he said "Can you give me another 20 for something and i said 20 is all I can give, and he left me. He darn well better have bought those diapers!
The hardest part of being homeless for me was that I never could find a safe place to sleep. And I was promiscuous (yech) because I felt too afraid to be on my own, so the person I gave myself to protected me.
Having a bed and a roof over my head is the greatest gift the Lord has given me in regards to my needs.
Now I am on disabililty, and I dont have a car or nice clothes and I WISH i could have a normal job, but, i have food and a home and a good husband and dog and family for that matter.
So, my income is below poverty, but I can say that I am fully taken care of. God is good!

 

[Malachi]

There is no comfort in the riches provided by God for His people too?

Christians generally don't strike a proper balance when it comes to wealth. The love of money and material things is IDOLATRY, plain and simple. But when wealth is seen as a resource given by God which should be used for His honor and glory, then things fall into place. God did not condemn Israel for the extravagant contributions they made towards the Tabernacle and the Temple. Paul encouraged the Christians to share their wealth with their poorer brethren, and took up collections constantly.

So if there would be a proper attitude towards wealth, then the poorer brethren and sisters would always be provided for through their churches. Indeed that would be the primary use of gifts and offerings to God, as seen in the church at Jerusalem after Pentecost.

The bottom line is that there is a monetary cost to doing God's work on earth, and if every Christian is barely surviving, then the Gospel cannot go forth as it should. What is totally unacceptable is the improper use of God's money for wasteful and unproductive expenditures, such as ornate buildings and obnoxious displays of wealth by pastors and evangelists (as is very evident in America). As for the Prosperity Gospel, that is an abomination to God.

 

[brewmama]

A lot of good thoughts here. I would say that no one should starve to death or die from being out in the elements without shelter. On the other hand, there is no disgrace in being poor, (as opposed to total privation in poverty). Monastics have given up the wealth of the world and lived happier lives as long as monastics have existed. Studies show that the happiest people in the world are generally in 3rd world countries.
"Panama "leads all other countries in well-being, with 53% of its residents thriving in three or more elements," Gallup reported. "Panama is also the highest country for purpose (60%) and physical well-being (52%)."
But Panama's repeat isn't the whole story. In fact, seven of the ten "highest well-being countries," as defined by Gallup, are in Latin America."
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/researcher-explains-why-latin-americans-181614937.html

The reason the poor are struggling and suffering so much today is because of the destruction of social, communitarian, traditional and institutional support that gave all of society their feelings of worth, described in Charles Murray's book, http://www.amazon.com/Coming-Apart-State-America-1960-2010/dp/030745343X.

This is the result of secular and liberal policies over the past 50-60 years that have ripped the fabric of society.

"The key point is that the four great social trends of the past half-century--the decline of marriage, of the work ethic, of respect for the law and of religious observance--have affected Fishtown much more than Belmont. As a consequence, the traditional bonds of civil society have atrophied in Fishtown. And that, Murray concludes, is why people there are so very unhappy--and dysfunctional."

 

[Christ_empowered]

I don't think its "liberal policies" that are ruining America. People point their fingers at the left for everything...meanwhile, the GOP is turning into a bunch of social darwinists paying lip service to Christ and "traditional values."