One of the sad realities of modern life is that some people will try to take advantage of generosity. Another is that some people will pose as being generous in order to take advantage of people in need.
Both were evident in the hectic weeks following recent hurricanes that hit major population centers in the United States. A recent Associated Press account reported that officials have been compiling cases alleging everything from fraudulent charities to imposters posing as federal officials in order to obtain valuable personal information. One report said many victims were applying for federal aid, only to learn that someone had used their identification already in order to obtain benefits.
In light of such behavior, it's easy to see a fulfillment of the Savior's warning that "because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" (Matthew 24:12).
And yet, members of the Church have not allowed their love to wax cold. Instead, they have poured out contributions of money, time, labor and supplies to help those who were affected by the disasters. These have been faith-affirming manifestations of Christlike charity — far more powerful than the destructive forces of scam artists and con men. Good works touch lives, lift spirits and change outlooks.
With the holiday season approaching, some charitable organizations are worried that people have exhausted their good will for the year and that needy people will go hungry, or that poor children will have to endure a Christmas without much. But faithful Church members understand that charity is not a seasonal thing, and that giving to the less fortunate does not necessarily have to involve money.
This principle has been taught again and again by prophets ancient and modern.
"How great a thing is charity," said President Gordon B. Hinckley, "whether it be expressed through the giving of one's substance, the lending of one's strength to lift the burdens of others, or as an expression of kindness and appreciation," ("Mormon should mean 'More Good,' " General Conference, Oct. 7, 1990).
The scriptures make clear that men and women will be judged according to how they have willingly helped others. Jesus spoke of the time when He would come again in His glory, saying the people would be divided, "as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats" (Matthew 25:32).
The sheep, He said, were those who would inherit the kingdom. They were the ones who had shown acts of charity toward Him.
"Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? Or thirsty and gave thee drink?
"When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:37-40).
In the Book of Mormon, Amulek admonished people to pray continually over all things that concern them. But he cautioned that this alone is not enough. "For after ye have done all these things, if ye turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need — I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith" (Alma 34:28).
We hope all members of the Church are vigilant during this time of year and notice the many needs that abound among them. Church members, so generous at all times when disasters strike anywhere in the world, should be just as eager to help people around them whose needs are on a much smaller scale.
Rather than being discouraged by the iniquity of those who take advantage of others, followers of Christ understand that acts of charity are the only sure counter to such things.