This time of year always seems to shine a spotlight on giving to others and helping people meet their needs. It’s usually this time of year which also restores my faith in humanity, after living through a full year of unspeakable wrongs that we all seem to do to one another out of ignorance, hatred, bigotry, racism, and just outright cruelty. I don’t mean to sound so pessimistic, but it seems our country has spun off its rails, and it warms my heart just to see kindness happen. Anyway…
As Christians, we are called to love and we are even called to sell everything we have and give it to the poor. If we do, the Bible says we will have riches stored up for ourselves in Heaven. God is quite clear about His expectations for us when it comes to giving to others in need. It’s a direct instruction.
Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
1 John 3:17 “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brothers in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”
But I’d like to put a slight twist on this discussion tonight. I’m not sure everyone will like this, but that’s okay. My mindset on “giving” has shifted a bit in my adulthood. Let me explain- Anytime God lays on my heart to help out or give to someone in need, I do. I do that out of obedience. I do not, however, think we are called to blindly give to each and every person with an outstretched hand. Sound mean? Hear me out…
I’ve learned in my life that there is a vast difference between people who truly have a need and people who take advantage of the kindnesses of others. Anyone who works with an organization that reaches out to the community and offers assistance can tell you that there are (unfortunately) a handful of people who have learned the system. There are people, right now, in our community who have actually made it a life goal not to work and to get as much from others as they can.
I grew up differently. I was taught that having a job and having a good work ethic were important parts of becoming a contributing member of society. I was never taught to expect anything from anyone or that my community, my state, or my country “owed” me anything. Work is good for the soul. The bible talks about this topic, too-
2 Thessalonians 3:6-14 “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”
We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.”
Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed.”
In case you missed it, it says that if a man doesn’t work, he doesn’t eat. Now, I know very well that there are times in life that people are unable to work due to legitimate medical issues or legitimate mental health issues. I’m not talking about those people. There have been times in my own life that have been so emotionally overwhelming that I’ve had to say to my family- “I just can’t right now.” I’m blessed that I’ve had people to step in and help carry me in those moments that I feel too weak to do for myself. Here’s the catch though, I don’t allow myself to park and camp out in that space of self-pity and hardship. Sure, I give myself a little time to wallow, but then it’s time to dust myself off, stand back up, and move forward into the business of living.
This area has a surprising number of people who seem to be perfectly content to “draw a check.” I’ve heard it said that it’s actually a career goal for some. I take personal offense to this as a person whose own father, in the last months of his life, was suffering from a brain disease which caused dementia, and caused him to be unable to do any of the daily functions of life by himself. He couldn’t dress himself, bathe himself, feed himself. He had no idea who we were. My father was never able to draw disability. Not one penny. So, when I see a man out mowing his yard and I know he draws a check, well, let’s just say I struggle with it.
My point in all of this is to say, we have so many wonderful groups in this town and on Facebook that are out here doing great things for people. I firmly believe that we are called to help those IN NEED. Those are the key words here- IN NEED. I don’t think we are called to stumble through life with our hands outstretched waiting to see what we can get for free from everyone who crosses our path. I feel that we are called to help ourselves. When I see someone post something about them and their husband needing such-and-such because they can’t afford it, the first thing I want to ask is, “Where do both of you work?” It isn’t out of an unwillingness to help, but I want to know what they are doing to help themselves. Again, I will reiterate, I do believe there are people with legitimate needs and I do believe there are people who legitimately can not work. I will always be obedient when God calls me to give to someone or some specific need. Always.
I have a quick example I want to share with you in closing-
There is a precious church in our town that has something they call “The Blessing Box” out in front of the church. The purpose of the blessing box is for people in the community to put in items that others in need can come and take for free. It’s a wonderful idea. A few years ago, when my children were younger, I wanted to teach them in real life how we serve others and serve Christ. Children learn way more from our actions than from our words. I took them both to the store, we bought an assortment of canned goods, baby food, toiletries, some hats and gloves, and a few other things. They were so excited about all of the things we had picked up to help a lot of people. I drove them to the blessing box and we all got out and filled the box (which already had many items in it) with the items we had just purchased. As we were walking back to our car, I noticed a vehicle pull up. A man got out, walked to the blessing box, opened it, and began to clear out each shelf in a big sweeping motion, knocking every single item on every shelf into a bag he brought. Before I could even help myself, tears just started rolling out of my eyes. I could feel my heart beating faster. I got out of my car. I walked up to him. The blessing box was completely empty. I introduced myself and told him that my children and I were so happy to have just put items in the blessing box that could help our community. He explained that he helped take care of his father. I told him that was nice of him to do and I asked him if he truly needed EVERY SINGLE ITEM that was in the blessing box. He said he did. I cried harder and said, “I’m a Christian and I participated in this today as an act of obedience, but if you take EVERYTHING that will leave NOTHING for everyone else.” Friends, this blessing box had baby food, maxi pads, children’s items– I was certain he didn’t need EVERYTHING in that box. He insisted again that he needed it all and I walked away completely defeated. I cried all the way back to my car. I asked God why He had just exposed me and my children to that experience because my heart went into this for the right reason.
I learned several lessons that day-
First, I will always be obedient and do whatever it is God calls me to do. I would encourage everyone to always listen to where and when God is calling you to meet a need. Your blessing will be abundant. It is promised to us in His Word.
Second, I will be a wise steward of my money. I won’t just blindly throw it into the wind to land wherever it may. That is something else God has called us to do. He blesses those who are wise and responsible with their money, and to those who are not, He withholds financial blessing.
Third, I will always do everything within my power to provide for myself and my own. I will never expect to receive anything from anyone- especially if I am able to do for myself and simply choose not to. The Bible speaks against those who are “sluggards” and “lazy”. Those are the words the Bible uses, not MY words.
The other day in the group Rogersville Helping Rogersville I saw that a young lady had made a request for a need she had. A few minutes later, I saw that same young lady had responded to another person who had posted and had agreed to meet a need for the other woman. This warmed my heart in such a tremendous way. THAT is what giving is supposed to look like. She has a need, and yet, she reached out and MET a need for someone else. That is they type of heart we are supposed to have. It’s about receiving AND giving- giving AND receiving. If you are asking to “receive” all of the time, I’d encourage you to work more on the “giving”. That’s when those blessings come. That’s how we help ourselves rise up out of hard situations.
Every single word of this is being said out of nothing but love. God bless everyone who reads this.
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