The Idolatry Of Influence & Importance In Giving.
People seek not only to be wealthy but also want their wealth to place them in the corridors of influence and importance. So they give massively to influential and important people because some of that influence/importance appears to rub off on them. They want to be able to say: “I know him.” “I support her.” “I was there.” “I contributed.” “He knows me.” “She personally thanked me.” The gift becomes a passport into someone's perceived world of significance & relevance. Meanwhile, the poor person has nothing to offer except a need. And that is precisely where the moral test becomes severe. Can you value a person who cannot increase your status? This is why Christ's teaching about the “least” is so revolutionary. Jesus repeatedly shifts attention away from social importance & influence toward real human need. In Matthew 25:34-46 He identifies Himself with the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick and imprisoned. The astonishing feature of that teaching is that ...