When we read Scripture (like Matthew 19) and see Jesus in action, we see that good theology will affect everyone.  But specifically three groups in particular – women, children and the poor.  (In Matthew 19 Jesus calls out behavior that affects these three groups).

Think of it.  Jesus interaction with women was counter-cultural.  He stood up for them (John 8), he protected them from husbands who easily divorced them (Matthew 19), he shared with a woman he was the Messiah when he had not done that with anyone else (John 4), he spoke to them when it was not cultural to do so (John 4), and so much more.

Then there’s the children.  In the Old Testament, the wrath of God was never more apparent than when Israel was worshiping and following the idols.  And what were they often doing?  Sacrificing their children to the idols (2 Kings 16:3; Ezek 16:20 and so many more).

Then Jesus comes to the scene.  And it was often the children that were championed.  He said that if we didn’t become like children, we wouldn’t enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 18:3).  When the disciples were annoyed with children around him, Jesus said not to hinder them, the kingdom of heaven belonged to the children (Matthew 19:13-14).  When his thousands of followers were hungry, he used the gift of the boy with the 5 loaves and 2 fishes to feed the people (Matthew 14).  Can you imagine the joy of that little boy?

Then there’s the poor.  The Bible is filled with admonitions to take care of the poor.  Jesus told the rich young ruler to give to the poor (Matthew 19:16-30).  One of the signs of Jesus’ coming was that the poor would hear the good news (Matthew 11:5).  He gave the highest honor to the poor widow who gave her last mite to honor God (Matthew 12:43).  And when Paul was doing ministry, he prioritized the helping of the poor (Galatians 2:10).

Yes, there are other segments of society.  But these were a main focus.  And everywhere the kingdom of God is preached, the women, the children, and the poor are lifted up.  And when society begins to crumble, you will see it because the women, the children, and the poor will be the first to suffer.

Good theology will transform society.  Especially these three – women, children and the poor.   Bad theology will destroy them.

What is it like in your area?

What is it like in your nation?

What is your church doing to uplift these three?

What is being done in and through your family?