So how can we assist those around us? How can we help to drastically change others' lots in life?

We need to start with our brothers and sisters. Let's put our resources to work first among those who share our values as members of Christ's body, people that we can trust to put our assistance to honest use.

As crude as it may sound, helping each other can be an incentive for others to join our communities. It demonstrates to others what they could have. We need to show the "gentiles" how much we love each other.

When it comes to helping the gentiles we need to eliminate the hand-out system. It's not necessary that those in need join our communities, but everyone has some way to contribute. If a hungry person has no monetary funds we should absolutely help them, but we have to make it worthwhile. We must instill in others the pride that comes from enjoying the fruits of our own labor.

Whether it's an hour mopping floors or a long conversation, everyone has something to contribute in exchange for help.

We must also remember that the real goal of any charity is to spread the love of Jesus.

It's tempting to simply meet the physical needs of those around us. But, in reality, all we're doing is prolonging their trip to hell. If we're not spreading the love of Jesus, then there's no point in keeping anyone alive.

Simply remedying the needs of others is a worthless endeavor. There must be love and salvation.

First, we must eliminate the free lunch mentality. It's a great way to waste resources but have no effective change in the community.

Secondly, we must help our neighbors, not some group of people that we pity from another world, whether it's the inner city or Peru.