Viktor Frankl, in his book Embracing Hope, writes about a person who did the work of a dustman (garbage collector). He was awarded the Order of Merit by the Federal Republic of Germany. His job was to collect garbage from homes and take it for disposal. In the rubbish bins, he found toys, broken and discarded. Many children were needy, but poor, and could not afford toys. So, he retrieved the broken toys from the dustbins and rubbish bins. In the evenings, he would repair them and make them functional. Then distribute to the needy children, bringing cheer to their lives. Someone’s trash became another person’s treasure. Though poor, he devised a way to be a blessing to others.
Equipped for good works: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10) Some people think that good works mean social work done in public by organisations and institutions. This man was doing this without announcing to the world and bragging about his achievement. It was quiet work done, and the beneficiaries were poor children, who could not dream of playing with such toys.
Creative idea: God created humans in His image. The creator God has bestowed creativity upon humans. When humans use this gift of creativity, they can do many things that seem impossible and unimaginable. Teenager David got a creative idea to face Goliath not with swords, spears, and shields, but with a sling and a few pebbles. (I Samuel 17:40) God gave him a great victory that saved the Nation of Israel from defeat and disgrace.
Concern: The citizens of Sodom were rich and prosperous, but were unconcerned about the poor, marginalised, and underprivileged. (Ezekiel 16:49-50) The opposite of love is not hate, but indifference. The rich man was indifferent to the plight of poor man Lazarus, who was visible, near, and his groans were audible. Rich people who could throw away toys did not consider children without toys.
Do I have concern, compassion, and creative ways to help the poor?