Leaders must be concerned for the common good of all people.

Biblically, God’s people have always been charged with caring for the poor, widows, and orphans. More than 2,000 verses in the Bible touch on this subject.

Somehow, we need to consider how we are going to carry out God’s justice / righteousness in caring for these needs.

James is explicit: “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (James 1:27 italics mine).

I have heard the discussion regarding individual or congregational application. Let me say, regardless of the position, we are doing a very poor job of fulfilling it!!!!

We often excuse ourselves by allowing other organizations to assume this responsibility, as we throw a few dollars their way.

I am not taking anything away from the necessity of our spiritual concern for all people, but when our efforts to help the poor, widows and orphans are minimal, are we really leading them to the Lord?

It is time for leaders to lead all, especially the most unlikely.