WHAT BECOMES OF THE PEOPLE WHILE THE WEALTH GROWS?

 WHAT BECOMES OF THE PEOPLE WHILE THE WEALTH GROWS?

A bag beside a wheelchair on a city sidewalk brings the question close: What becomes of the people while the wealth grows?

Behind that question is a person who needs somewhere safe to sleep, someone willing to listen, and a place within the community. Their life must have a bearing on what we call progress.

Wealth gives us the capacity to build homes, provide care, and strengthen our common life. With that capacity comes responsibility. When a tent is removed, we must ask where its occupant will spend the night. When a service records success, we must ask whether help actually reached the person.

On the Jericho road, the Samaritan brought his resources within reach of the wounded man. He attended to the injury, found shelter, and provided for continuing care (Luke 10:25–37). Mercy became a commitment that lasted beyond the encounter.

In the age of AI, we can process information and organize work with increasing speed. We remain responsible for choosing the purpose of that work—and for hearing the neighbor whose circumstances require us to change the plan.

Every person belongs, including those who cannot work, cannot repay us, or need care for years. Their dignity places a claim upon our abundance.

Let us begin close enough to listen. Let that listening shape how we spend, serve, and govern. Let us follow the person beyond the referral and the clearing of the street, until care has become reachable and shelter has become secure.

While the wealth grows, let the neighbor’s place among us grow more secure.

Pastor Steven G. Lee
Street GMC Corps
October 2, 2026

https://www.facebook.com/steven.g.lee1/posts/pfbid02M18VXFEfSC8cPjGjgTTmP5w2dBQACuMXF4YxMQQnvywMTtC8rNeiaBqbNJnPzVQ7l