Remember the Poor / Admonish the Idle

The shooter at a recent incident in Texas became angry when he was not given cash.

We help people like this from time to time at our church. We give them food, fuel, medicine, and transportation. Thankfully most of them are not resentful or angry. But sometimes odd behavior makes you careful. Unfortunately these problems are increasing in our society as more and more turn away from God. We urge our members not to hand out cash to people that might approach them on the parking lot. Tell them to wait and talk to one of the pastors. We're used to this, and we can usually sort out those who have legitimate needs and those who don't. Paul said, "remember the poor" (Gal 2.10). But he also said, "admonish the idle" (1 Thess 5.14). As far as fellows like this one in Texas, the best prayer is still, "Deliver us from evil" (Matt 6.13).