Hunger is a terrible tyrant

Recently an article appeared on the AP wire about a tiny Western Idaho community near the Oregon border. Greenleaf, a hamlet begun as a peaceloving Quaker abode was advocating each homeowner obtain and license a gun for protection [exemptions for religious conviction would be granted]. The village fathers, when questioned about their reasons in support of this gun law, stated that "we could get refugees," and they did not want the social chaos that occurred after Katrina. The only refugees Greenleaf has ever come close to getting were three Kryptonians who landed in Huston, a village down the road in Superman II.

What these village elders were really saying is, "We will not share what we have. Go away--if you come here we can now shoot you."

Not sharing what little she had left crossed the widow of Zarephath's mind when Elijah asked for a piece of bread and drink of water, but because she was willing to share, her needs were met until the drought and famine ended (1 Kings 17:8-16).

When chaos and natural calamities occur you must be willing to share. You and the one whom you help may, indeed, lose your physical lives should the upheaval be prolonged, but your attitude of sharing will keep you from losing your spiritual life and eternal reward (Mat 10:42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.).

Do not look at the one who asks for succor, the color of his or her skin, or the religious markers you may deem to be missing, and turn them away from your door or your town or demand that they join your church before you will feed them (Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit and Mat 6:25 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?). Begin now to put by a little food for emergencies that are surely coming--and, above all, be willing to share with those in need--don't let hunger rule your life.