The Poor
"But it is not given that one man should possess that which is above another, wherefore the world lieth in sin." (D&C 49:20)
King Benjamin's beggars. I have often wondered how to give to the poor, what is the appropriate way to help them, and then wind up not helping because they would make an unwise use of the money, and only give fast offerings and let the church deal with it. The poor beggars of the time most likely had issues as ours do today, addictions, poor judgment, less capacity for earning; this is what makes people poor and beggars. They are not going to be wise people, so if I'm waiting on the wise beggar, I'm waiting in vain. Benjamin said they are beggars as are we. We each have problems, if we are honest with ourselves. We are mean, think only of ourselves, say hurtful things, we have urges that we find difficult not to act on, we are dismissive, or ignore each other, think we are better than each other, we aspire to callings and honors of men, some of us steal, some of us have a job but nonetheless are addicted, all things that are the result of the natural man. We may not be destitute, but we are sinners, begging for our Father and Brother, begging for a reunion of our family. The poor may use his gift poorly, but is not the more important thing the care we give them, the hope and happiness we wish for them, that they know their fellow man loves them and the purification of our own soul that results? We who have money are no less in dire straights than they are. We make foolish and unwise choices every day, yet we hope for a Savior who was perfect, we hope he will save us, though we are foolish, yet trying.
"But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God." (Mosiah 4:18)
"Nevertheless, in your temporal things you shall be equal, and this not grudgingly, otherwise the abundance of the manifestations of the Spirit shall be withheld." (D&C 70:14)
"For a commandment I give, that every man’s brother shall preserve the life of man, for in mine own image have I made man." (commandment given to Noah for all mankind, Genesis 9:13, Inspired Version)
"If I had a wife and ten children, I would give all my money to build the Temple and Nauvoo House, and I would trust in God for their support. Yet I will be richer for it; for God would prosper me in business....
"Sacrifice your gods for the building up of Zion. Administer of your substance. Send our missionaries to the islands of the seas. Don't be afraid of a dollar, or a hundred dollars, or even a thousand dollars. I would not. I have made a sacrifice of all I possessed a good many times. I am richer the more I give; for the Lord has promised and does reward me a hundredfold; and if I sacrifice all for the cause of God, no good thing will be withheld from me. I have taken this course to get rich. I have given all I had, and God has given many blessings in consequence." (Joseph Smith, HC 6:1)
