Fake Homeless

Have you ever heard stories about homeless people who really have a lot of money?  The story goes one of two ways.  Either the person is just choosing to be homeless, because they want to live that way, or they really aren't homeless at all.  In the second version, they sit around playing homeless collecting money from sympathetic passers by then go home.  To their home.  Which exists.  Because they aren't really homeless. (Get it.)

Personally, I don't buy it.  I know, I know, I know.  You saw a news story.  Someone told you.  Your friend totally knows someone who made a lot of money doing this.  I know.  And sure, maybe it can happen in some small way.  But not really.  

I think the real problem with the stories is that it makes us look upon all of the needy with suspicion.  We can walk by a person in a doorway and think, "that person thinks I'm a sucker."   The possibility that this person may not really be in need but is trying to take advantage of your kindness is enough to pollute our attitude towards helping anyone.

 

This extends not just to the homeless, but to our attitude towards the rest of the world.  When we hear of refugees needing of a safe haven, our reaction isn't to do all that we can.  Our reaction is that maybe they are really terrorists out to get us.

As Christians we are called to extend our hospitality to those in need.  If the person really isn't in need, that's between them and God.  That's not on us.  We are called to help those around us and there are no penalties for accidentally helping someone unnecessarily.  

Watch this video from Pastor Chris.

We are called to show love to those around us.  We are called to be gracious in a way that they see the love of God through our actions.  And that is something that everyone needs.  Even if you have plenty of money.