In the Shadow of Plenty
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The book is broken down into ten principles of “The Biblical Blueprint”. The theme, charity, is categorized into ten different ways for it to be applied in our lives. The ten basic principles are as follows:
I. It begins by showing how charity, the key to the evangelistic message, has been used since the time of Adam and Eve. God responded to their sin by 1) announcing judgment, 2) proclaiming hope, and 3) by extending charity. This pattern of word and deed is seen throughout the Bible and used by Isaiah, Titus, Moses, and Jesus. It is obvious that “charity authenticates the evangelistic message; without it revival tarries.” (In the Shadow of Plenty, p.21)
II. Charity is the job of us Christians. The story of the good Samaritan is used to show how we are to care for those in need as if they were our very own brother or sister. This story is based on the Samaritan and a Jew; we know that although there was a racial division between the two cultures, the Samaritan still helped this man in need. This story teaches a very humble lesson, our job is to give charity no matter who it may be.
III. “Charity is the churchs job, not the governments.” (p.41) This implies that Christians as a church and as individuals must do the work of charity without the aid of civil government. The chapter emphasizes the story of Ahaz when he entangled himself and the kingdom in an unholy alliance because he could not solely depend on God. We must trust that God will bless the charity work that we do in His name. Why depend on the government when God is the one who will help us and bless us the most?
IV. Work is the foundation of charity. The Apostle Paul is an example of working for the cause of charity. “He labored in time of poverty and in time of prosperity.” (Philippians 4:12) We should do charity not only when it is easy to. It is hard work, but it must be done.
V. Work opportunities are created through gleaning (“The gracious provision God built into the opportunity society so that the poor could work their way up and out of the poverty trap.” p.57) The story of Ruth is told to illustrate one important provision that God built into Israels society, which was opportunity based on work ethic. In this story, the poor were given the opportunity to work their way up. We as Christians should also supply these opportunities in the church, in the work place, and in our society.
VI. Charity must be family-oriented in order to function properly. Charity in reality does begin at home, thus there must be charity between a family before there can be true charity shared outside the home with others.
VII. “We must begin the work of charity in the company of the faithful.”