Country Mouse

"If we don't deserve anything else, we at least deserve to have a roof over our heads and food in our stomachs."

- John

This was a statement one of our clients made during the morning group today. I think it raises an interesting question about needs and the basic, inalienable rights of every human being. According to most Americans, our inalienable rights include Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. On a more basic level, I think, the right to shelter and food are primary. While I don't actually believe we deserve anything, I do believe that every person on the planet should be treated with such respect that their basic needs are met. An interesting quandary is raised in America, and particularly here in Boston, where more than 6000 men, women and children face the daily struggle of finding a place to sleep and finding their next meal, if we actually believe that meeting physical needs is an essential aspect in our Christian lives. I believe this, and I believe that the gospel can transform the lives of men, women and children that are affected by substance abuse and homelessness. I don't want to be relegated to that group of Americans that are classified by John Mayer's words: "We keep on waiting for the world to change." I long to be a man of action, a man utilized by God to see the power of the gospel transform the lives of men like John, who believes that, as a human being, he deserves to have a roof over his head and a meal in his stomach. I long to see the reconciliatory power of the Gospel go forth and change the way we look at the homeless population of our city, so that we might rejoice together at the coming of Christ's kingdom.