What Would You Do?

The other day, I saw a homeless man sitting on the steps of a church. It was a Sunday afternoon, but the church was closed. No help there. The police on the scene appeared to be trying to help him “relocate.” No help there, either. And then there was me. I noticed the man… but just kept on driving. Strike three.  

I woke up the next morning convicted… I am not getting the job done for Jesus in this area.  

Why is there more poverty in the world at a time where it feels like there has never been more wealth? Why is it in situations we could help someone, we don’t? Did Jesus ever not help someone in need?! Are we too busy, too jaded, too disconnected? Or do we even notice at all? Maybe we’re simply numb to it.

As Christians and financial disciples, we are called to notice and act when it comes to helping others in need. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus gives us the blueprint:  

First, help with food and drink, a place to stay, clothing, care and continued loving relationships. Second, do it now.  And third, view every opportunity to serve someone else as an opportunity to serve Jesus Himself.    

Seems simple. So, what’s the problem? 

Unfortunately, we are. 

In the flesh, we are our priority. But fortunately, with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

Interestingly, during His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5), the first thing Jesus taught His disciples was to become poor in spirit, when He said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Why would Jesus start here? I think it’s because He knew a heart change was the precursor to everything, especially to following Him. 

Becoming poor in spirit leads to surrender and humility. When we do this, the Holy Spirit is in the driver’s seat. And naturally, that activates our heart to love and serve others in need, just like Jesus did.

It’s a juxtaposition of sorts but something to think about. Could the path to better serve the poor for Jesus require us to first become poor in Jesus?  

What would you do if a homeless person was sitting on your doorstep tomorrow? What about Jesus? Biblically speaking, is there a difference? (Matthew 25:40) 

Look for opportunities to lift up and help someone in need today. It starts with you and me.

Keep charging for Christ,

Brandon Sieben

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Brandon Sieben serves as President and CEO of Compass Global.

Brandon graduated with a B.S. in finance from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the University of Iowa. He also studied international business at the Universidad de Alicante in Spain, and Latin American business and culture at the Instituto de Idioma Español in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

He was president of Allsteel and an officer at HNI Corporation, both office furniture manufacturers, and currently serves on the board of directors of Central Banc, Inc. in Illinois. But after nearly three years in a mentoring relationship with Founder and Chairman Howard Dayton, Brandon joined Compass-finances God’s Way as president and CEO in September 2019.

Brandon and his wife, Deb, are actively involved in ministry in their local church and community. They have three daughters, Kay, Nina, and Georgia, and currently reside in Iowa City, Iowa.