Holland - Are We Not All Beggars? - October 2014

Elder Holland speaks about the need to help the poor and needy.  Not only are we responsible for helping people with physically poor but we are to help those that are spiritually poor.

• Down through history, poverty has been one of humankind’s greatest and most widespread challenges. Its obvious toll is usually physical, but the spiritual and emotional damage it can bring may be even more debilitating. In any case, the great Redeemer has issued no more persistent call than for us to join Him in lifting this burden from the people.

He speaks about how we can make a difference in the lives of those that are in need.  He speaks about Mother Teresa and a conversation she once had with a reporter.

• A journalist once questioned Mother Teresa of Calcutta about her hopeless task of rescuing the destitute in that city. He said that, statistically speaking, she was accomplishing absolutely nothing. This remarkable little woman shot back that her work was about love, not statistics. Notwithstanding the staggering number beyond her reach, she said she could keep the commandment to love God and her neighbor by serving those within her reach with whatever resources she had. “What we do is nothing but a drop in the ocean,” she would say on another occasion. “But if we didn’t do it, the ocean would be one drop less [than it is].” Soberly, the journalist concluded that Christianity is obviously not a statistical endeavor. He reasoned that if there would be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over the ninety and nine who need no repentance, then apparently God is not overly preoccupied with percentages.

We need to be careful to judge the person in need.  Our obligation is to help provide for those that need help.  Elder Holland gives us several things that we can do to assist those that are physically and spiritually in need.

• We can cease withholding our means because we see the poor as having brought their misery upon themselves. Perhaps some have created their own difficulties, but don’t the rest of us do exactly the same thing? Isn’t that why this compassionate ruler asks, “Are we not all beggars?” Don’t we all cry out for help and hope and answers to prayers? Don’t we all beg for forgiveness for mistakes we have made and troubles we have caused? Don’t we all implore that grace will compensate for our weaknesses, that mercy will triumph over justice at least in our case? Little wonder that King Benjamin says we obtain a remission of our sins by pleading to God, who compassionately responds, but we retain a remission of our sins by compassionately responding to the poor who plead to us.
• In addition to taking merciful action in their behalf, we should also pray for those in need.

He reminds us that the Lord expects us to try to help ourselves before we seek for help from others.  He encourages us to seek out the Lord for guidance on what we can do to show compassion for our fellow man.

• We are always expected to help ourselves before we seek help from others. Furthermore, I don’t know exactly how each of you should fulfill your obligation to those who do not or cannot always help themselves. But I know that God knows, and He will help you and guide you in compassionate acts of discipleship if you are conscientiously wanting and praying and looking for ways to keep a commandment He has given us again and again.

Elder Holland reminds us that in the church, the Lord has established the Law of the Fast to assist those that are in need.  Properly done, the Law of the Fast will accompany a generous fast offering that the Bishop can us to help those that are in need.

• Fortunately the Lord’s way of assisting our own is easier: all who are physically able are to observe the law of the fast.

Elder Holland concludes with these thoughts.

• I do not know all the reasons why the circumstances of birth, health, education, and economic opportunities vary so widely here in mortality, but when I see the want among so many, I do know that “there but for the grace of God go I.” I also know that although I may not be my brother’s keeper, I am my brother’s brother, and “because I have been given much, I too must give.”