When I woke up one morning recently I found myself thinking about what life would be like for the homeless in a cash free society.
A common sense approach to money
Many governments around the world have policies that seek to reduce the extent of cash payments. It’s only natural that this would happen. Governments want to track large payments of money as a means of preventing tax evasion. It is also a means of identifying money laundering associated with criminal activity.
Financial institutions and businesses also see benefits in reducing cash payments. The alternative of digital payments is simpler and can link to data management and analysis systems. Digital payments reduce business operating costs and avoid the security risk of holding cash.
There are, however, many people in the world who rely on the availability of cash.
Proverbs 29:7 – A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
Proverbs 22:16 – Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.
Why we need cash
Not everyone has access to a credit card. In order to get one your bank wants to know that you are of good standing and able to repay debts. Not too many banks would view a homeless person in such light.
I am not suggesting that the homeless are lesser people than others. In fact, many of the homeless people that I have met are of better character than others who do not want for anything. The homeless appreciate every good thing that comes their way. In contrast, those who have everything generally don’t have much appreciation.
James 2:5 – Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?
Psalm 107:9 – For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.
We often see homeless people in the street begging for a few coins in order to buy some food or a cup of coffee. Why not give them something? It would be less than you would spend on buying a round of drinks for your friends.
Philippians 2:4 – Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Whether you like it or not the homeless are members of our community. We are all in this together and as I said in my post on homelessness there is a fine line between our success and their failure.
I worked hard for what I have
If that’s your view you may be feeling, why should I give away some of what I worked so hard to earn. Well, here are a few reasons:
- Because it’s the right thing to do. You will be helping another human being who is suffering.
- Because God will reward you for your generosity and compassion.
- Because next time it could be you that needs help.
- Because it will make you feel a better person.
Just think of it. There are many homeless people in the world and the number of them is increasing. It’s a major problem in most cities yet most people ignore them or just walk by when they see them in the street. I understand that because it’s what I used to do. I had no connection with the homeless until I had my epiphany.
As a result I now feel great sympathy for the homeless, people in need and those who are at disadvantage. It makes me sad to think that so many people in the world couldn’t care less. As long as they are OK that’s all that matters to them. Fortunately, however, there are still many other people who care for the well-being of others. They are Christian in their behaviour and I hope that you are one of those people.
Proverbs 28:27 – Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
Hebrews 13:5 – Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
It’s not just the homeless who need cash
My initial thoughts were about the difficulties faced by homeless people. But the same problem exists for other poor and disadvantaged people.
Churches and a wide range of other charitable organisations support the needy. Donations are made to those organisations by bank transfers and cash donations. Those small cash donations are received through collection tins or church collections during religious services.
Maintaining small collections from both adults and children promotes community awareness and a giving culture.
And, just to cap things off. Think about your kids saving their pocket money. Will you in the future be paying them using your credit card or by doing a bank transfer.
Retain cash and retain humanity.
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