The Poor will always be amoung us

I have been Reading Shane Claiborne's book "The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical" and my only regret is that i waited 2 years to get my hands on this book. Shane came to speak when I was in Officer Training School (Salvation Army Seminary) and i missed him because i was in Boston having open heart surgery. When I came back My friend Geoff kept telling about this crazy liberal guy that changed his life. So i was interested but with but i was recovering from surgery and trying not to fall behind in my studies.

Two weeks ago while walking through a Bible bookstore i noticed his book and it has been an amazing journey ever since. Man if new this kat was so cool i would have to my doctors that the aneurysm can wait because i have to see Shaine Claiborne.This book may contain fodder for my next 365 blogs.

on Page 161 Shane explains that he is often asked to speak to wealthy congregations about simple living and often when he speaks about ending poverty someone points out that Jesus said the poor will always be among you yet when Shane is asked he follows with the question: "Are the poor among us?" usually the are not at his conferences.

We live in a country and world where those who 'have' have insulated themselves from those who 'don't'. But it runs deeper than that. Even those of us who like to think of ourselves as part of the solution seem to be missing the boat.

The Salvation Army was begun with an insane notion of "The world for God" and that was not just an evangelical statement. The early salvationists were involved in Social reform (ending legal child prostitution in England, fighting for better factory conditions) The belief was that we could bring all of creation under God's Lordship. (to establish Kingdom) and the Army grew like wildfire.

Now when i look at the Salvation Army we have separated everything. We have contracted out most of our 'social service' out to non salvationist employees.Now i don't have a problem with employees who aren't salvationist many of them are wonderful women and men of God. My concern is that our own people are not working alongside them. Many of the wonderful things we do become a cold distribution of services lacking the love that is the foundation of our faith.

So whats the solution?

Love our neighbors as ourselves.