Christianity and the Class Struggle (3)

The wellbeing of others is part of our calling as humans because of the cultural mandate (Gen. 2:15). But throughout history it has been a botched calling. Through error and sin we govern poorly. Only renewed people could care for others as God intended.

And this is why God sent his Son. Jesus offers the gift of eternal life. And through the lifestyle he modeled, the message he taught, and the church he organized he invites us to begin living abundant life even in this age. God did not ignore the plight of the poor and needy; neither may we who have been renewed in his image.

So what attitude should professing Christians take towards the disorganization of our social life and the resultant need? This is the right question because attitude almost always precedes and determines our actions (Phil. 2:5). The following instructions apply the gospel. "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich" (2 Cor. 8:9). We prove that we know this grace by putting his love into action (8). The gospel leads us to kneel in adoration before Jesus and follow his example in serving others even by stooping to wash their dirty feet (John 13:15).