“As Christian workers who seek to empower others, especially the poor and marginalized, let us not forget to point out and live out that the real source of power is God. This is what differentiates Christian community organizing from other types of organizing. It recognizes that although they are real and substantial, individual power — personal gifts and positions of responsibility — as well as collective power — people acting together — are nevertheless derivative power. They are made possible only by the grace of the Creator and Redeemer God.”
Athena Evelyn Gorospe in “A Biblical Model of Empowerment” in The Church and Poverty in Asia (Quezon City/Manila: Asian Theological Seminary/OMF Literature, 2008) 72.
As I continue to explore modern perspectives on generosity, this Filipino perspective rightly reminds the world that our gracious God, not our gifts or positions is the power for mission, and that God works through people acting together by the grace of God. It is important to understand this because “empowerment” is buzz word for many Christ followers who seek to serve the poor. There can be no empowerment apart from His power (cf. John 15:5).
Today I head to Vail, CO with my wife to speak tomorrow and Saturday at the CBMC President’s Retreat. Pray for receptive hearts and for the Holy Spirit to minister through Jenni and me. I also want to tip my cap to my mother! She turns “75” today! Thanks Mom for the way in which you have modeled service to the poor and marginalized relying on the grace of God. Whenever people compliment her, she always says: “The good you see in me is Jesus!” Happy Birthday Mom!