I find this to be a difficult and complex topic: Being good stewards of God’s blessings and truly helping those in need.  Donating money to good causes is very important, but actually lifting the burdens of the Lazarus in your life is even more essential.  If you will recall Jesus’ parable in Luke 16:19-31, Lazarus was the poor man covered with sores lying outside the door of the Rich Man.  Lazarus would have been content with simply the scraps from his table, but the Rich Man did not take notice of Lazarus until it was too late-then Lazarus was in Heaven with Abraham while the Rich Man was tormented in Hell. 

Proverbs 21:13 says, “He that stops his ear against the cry of the poor shall also cry himself, and shall not be heard.”  Let’s prayerfully consider how we can return to basic human interaction with our brothers and sisters in Christ who are struggling and share not only through charitable giving, but also through love, prayer, witness, listening or even a warm embrace.  Let’s also expand our definition of Lazarus to include not only the countless poor, sick, homeless and hungry of the world, but also more locally: the jobless neighbor, depressed co-worker, sick relative, financially struggling friend or special needs child that attends school with your own.  Lazarus is everywhere in our lives…if we have the courage to seek him.