To Whom Should You Give?

The "Internet Monk" has posted an insightful article (read it here) about giving money to panhandlers that will be of interest to many readers, especially those who attend IBC and deal with this on a regular basis. I agree with most of what he has written. However, I also found some of the comments as insightful as the article. A meeting with a representative from a local homelessness ministry today helped reinforce the need for compassionate social action. However, I still believe that underlying most of what we see is an illegitimate way of life. I appreciated the iMonk's comment about the biblical principle that if a man doesn't work, he shouldn't eat. While there are certainly exceptions to this (those who are disabled and unable to work, etc.), there is still wisdom here. None of us want to be found without compassion for the poor, the needy, the infirm, etc. But we must all be found faithful as stewards, and enabling illegitimate living is both unwise and unsafe. My philosophy is found in Acts 3 -- "Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have, I give to you." Offer them Jesus Christ first and foremost. Only as Christ transforms their lives will real help and change be found.