Our Brother's Keeper

 

 

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

 

Matthew 25:40

I don't know about anyone else, but I grow weary of being called selfish and greedy just because I am a Conservative. In fact, most of the people I have met in the Conservative movement have been firmly grounded in not only the Constitution, but also in God's Word. The same holds true on many on the other side of the aisle. The purpose of this article is not to glorify nor criticize people on their giving - Lord knows I should probably receive the first stone. No, the purpose is to remind myself of how important it is not forget the least of us, as that number seems to grow higher every day.

One of the things I have learned over the years is how to properly vet charities to ensure the monies or gifts I give will have the maximum impact. This is something which is important to do, as some charities are not all the are cracked up to be. Other charities, are extremely efficient, using very little of the donated money for administration.

By far and away the MOST INEFFICIENT place to send your money to help people who need it (and I hate to say this) is the United States Government. For example, look at how much aid never reached people in New Jersey after Super Storm Sandy. Look at Haiti years after their devastating earthquake. Look at our own country in getting provisions or help to those who really need them. The basic truth is this - our government is not, nor was never intended to be, "Our Brother's Keeper".

If not our government, then who? Quite simply, the answer it is this. The vast relief efforts could and should be carried out by organizations that are skilled in how to do it. Organizations for example like Samaritan's Purse. This is a faith based organization run by Franklin Graham which is dedicated to reaching the most, with the most, having to use the fewest administrative resources. Operation Christmas Child is a part of Samaritan's Purse. What a wonderful event that is every year! Shoe boxes are made up for children all over the world who have literally NOTHING! These shoe boxes contain basic hygiene supplies, clothing items, and some simple education tools or toys. The cost to box a box together is usually less than 20 dollars (including shipping) and make affect a child's life for weeks or months.

Minnesota is the home base for Feed My Starving Children. Another life changing ministry. Meals are put together with the basic nutritional needs of a growing child. They are packaged by volunteers, packed and then shipped to areas where the need is the greatest. The cost and effort are amazingly little for impact which affects so many.

Even though the shrill voices will continue to call many of us selfish or stingy, our gift of giving will continue to shine though the darkness. We have always been a compassionate and giving people. The opportunities to give wisely are there, and keep growing all of the time. I am proud to live in a land which has been so blessed that we in turn can be a blessing to others. Are we "Our Brother's (or Sister's) Keeper?" You bet - that and more so. We do it and expect to get nothing in return. We do it only because it is the right thing to do.