100 Days of HopeSample

The Weightier Matters

Working in the developing world involves a perpetual tug-of-war between heart and mind; between unbridled compassion and concerns of self-sufficiency. While each person tends to a certain extreme, we as development workers can let our preoccupation with sustainability silence calls for immediate action. However, no matter how inspired or Biblical our approach is to development, it is no substitute for our call to generosity, compassion, and mercy.

In the New Testament, the Pharisees had become so concerned with a list of “dos” and “don’ts” that justice, mercy, and faithfulness had been forgotten amid a myriad of rules. Jesus reproaches their neglect in Matthew 23:23.

Like the Pharisees, we can obsess over a model for sustainable development and forget the call for present justice, pleas for mercy, and immediate faithfulness. These checklists are good things to be followed, but not at the expense of the weightier matters of the law.

So, in the pursuit of sustainability, may we not neglect to be just in our generosity. May a fear of creating unhealthy dependence not restrain us from showing mercy and compassion in times of immediate need. As we seek long-term good, may we never forget that faithfulness is about present obedience. As we work to relieve both spiritual and physical poverty, may we not neglect these weightier matters.

Prayer: Father, while we seek to find the best practices to alleviate poverty, remind us to be faithful in the things you care about most: justice and mercy. Thank you for showing us your heart and help us to see those around us with eyes of compassion.