Deuteronomy 12:19
“Be careful that you do not forsake the Levite as long as you live in your land.”
God set up the national system inwhich the Levites were a nation of priests. All of the tribes had their parcel of land, almost like counties or states. However, the Levites didn’t. They were split up to live in the 11 counties of their brethren tribes. They could still have trades, but their primary responsibilities were to attend to the spiritual needs of Israel. Therefore, they might need assistance with food, clothing, housing and other items necessary for living. They were the responsibility of the nation.
We don’t have an equivalent group, however, there is the church. We are to give financially. 1 Timothy 5:18 says that “… a workman is worthy of his wages.” We are to give unto the church for their services.
Churches provide the weekend services, childcare, youth meetings, counseling, benevolence, mentoring, outreach, and so on. While a bill isn’t sent out to the members, it’s understood that the members should give.
On a larger note, social responsibility is part of being a good citizen. We do pay taxes, so that is taken care of. However, we should do what we can to help the needy in our world. James 1:27 says that pure religion is to remember the widow and the orphan…” We have been given so much in terms of the families that we’ve been born and raised in. We do have responsibilities.
Part of being a christian is to serve. It may be a weekly function or from time to time. It may be a ministry in the church or outside of it.
Lord, thank You for all You’ve given us. Help us to give back.