This short video has me thinking about the idea of giving and receiving in the context of urban ministry and living where you serve. In our independent culture, it's easy to think that we are somehow nobler or holier when we give without taking from others. We do, of course, have an example of complete selflessness in Christ, but perhaps we forget that we also have an example of utter humility in Christ.
When we come to those in need as the helper, it is tempting to come to them in a position of power. Without creating a relational bond with those we serve, the only thing that keeps us serving is our "good hearts." In more concrete terms, volunteering in a soup kitchen is a good thing, but when the volunteers are completely self-sufficient/self-reliant, I fear that we are over-emphasizing Christ's example of being a savior and ignoring his vulnerability as man. When we take on problems of others without exposing our own, this is not evidence of strength, but of pride.
The mercy ministries dialogue these days encourages Christians to go into cities and live with the people they serve (see generally anything Tim Keller writes about--yes, I've mentioned him in almost every post here. I'll try to cut back soon.). The arguments are often based on the idea of gaining credibility with the community or gaining a better understanding of the problems that face the community. These are valid arguments, but I believe a more convincing argument is that Christ sets an example of living among those he served and humbly making himself vulnerable to them. By living among those you serve, you are forced to rely on your neighbors, if for nothing else, for safety and an aesthetically pleasing environment. A level of mutuality is created that is difficult to create in other ways--one's charity is no longer that of a patron, but that of a neighbor.
This concept goes beyond merely ministry among the needy. Being a cheerful receiver ( in addition to a cheerful giver) is relevant in interpersonal relationships in general (receiving gifts, receiving love, receiving emotional comfort). Afterall, a Christian's first step is to accept God's love.
When we come to those in need as the helper, it is tempting to come to them in a position of power. Without creating a relational bond with those we serve, the only thing that keeps us serving is our "good hearts." In more concrete terms, volunteering in a soup kitchen is a good thing, but when the volunteers are completely self-sufficient/self-reliant, I fear that we are over-emphasizing Christ's example of being a savior and ignoring his vulnerability as man. When we take on problems of others without exposing our own, this is not evidence of strength, but of pride.
The mercy ministries dialogue these days encourages Christians to go into cities and live with the people they serve (see generally anything Tim Keller writes about--yes, I've mentioned him in almost every post here. I'll try to cut back soon.). The arguments are often based on the idea of gaining credibility with the community or gaining a better understanding of the problems that face the community. These are valid arguments, but I believe a more convincing argument is that Christ sets an example of living among those he served and humbly making himself vulnerable to them. By living among those you serve, you are forced to rely on your neighbors, if for nothing else, for safety and an aesthetically pleasing environment. A level of mutuality is created that is difficult to create in other ways--one's charity is no longer that of a patron, but that of a neighbor.
This concept goes beyond merely ministry among the needy. Being a cheerful receiver ( in addition to a cheerful giver) is relevant in interpersonal relationships in general (receiving gifts, receiving love, receiving emotional comfort). Afterall, a Christian's first step is to accept God's love.
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