"Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you recieved from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate." 2nd Thessalonians 3:6-9 ESV
That is a tough act to follow and the subject I am going to write about is a tough one. The reasons are many, not the least of which are that people tend to make political hay when the discussion of how much and how long and to whom to give arises. But the reality is that when people are continually given things, they tend to lost a sense of personal responsibility for their lives. They develop a sense of entitlement and sadly this is a trait that is passed down by the generation.
I think this goes beyond the political realm to the social areas of our lives as well. How we impact those around us is just as important as the act itself. And how we view them - as objects of generosity or friends in need - is also important in how they view themselves while we're there and when we leave.
Certainly, after a natural disaster, people's immediate concern is where their next meals are coming from and that is clear. But is providing food the best and most complete resolution? Once the crisis is past, we must be focused on allowing people to regain their dignity and helping them to grow their sense of accountability and self-worth.
I believe we do people a disservice when they begin to believe that - aside from God's plan and involvement in their lives - they don't have to take personal responsibility for their lives. Friends help friends get to a better place in their lives by lifting them up as needed but allowing them to set the course for themselves.
We all need a helping hand at times, we all need someone to come alongside and walk with us at times. If you are able to contribute a gift to someone who needs it, by all means, do so. Just make sure that you are not applying a temporary fix but empowering people to become more responsible once they are on their own.
The next time you have the opportunity to help someone in need and you can immediately alleviate the crisis in their life try to think of ways that you can offer something that has a long term payoff and not just a short term solution.
That is a tough act to follow and the subject I am going to write about is a tough one. The reasons are many, not the least of which are that people tend to make political hay when the discussion of how much and how long and to whom to give arises. But the reality is that when people are continually given things, they tend to lost a sense of personal responsibility for their lives. They develop a sense of entitlement and sadly this is a trait that is passed down by the generation.
I think this goes beyond the political realm to the social areas of our lives as well. How we impact those around us is just as important as the act itself. And how we view them - as objects of generosity or friends in need - is also important in how they view themselves while we're there and when we leave.
Certainly, after a natural disaster, people's immediate concern is where their next meals are coming from and that is clear. But is providing food the best and most complete resolution? Once the crisis is past, we must be focused on allowing people to regain their dignity and helping them to grow their sense of accountability and self-worth.
I believe we do people a disservice when they begin to believe that - aside from God's plan and involvement in their lives - they don't have to take personal responsibility for their lives. Friends help friends get to a better place in their lives by lifting them up as needed but allowing them to set the course for themselves.
We all need a helping hand at times, we all need someone to come alongside and walk with us at times. If you are able to contribute a gift to someone who needs it, by all means, do so. Just make sure that you are not applying a temporary fix but empowering people to become more responsible once they are on their own.
The next time you have the opportunity to help someone in need and you can immediately alleviate the crisis in their life try to think of ways that you can offer something that has a long term payoff and not just a short term solution.
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