Monday; November 18

Over the last several months we have visited a lot about being socially involved.  We have discussed things such as taking care of the widows and orphans as well as helping those who might be homeless or indigent.  I am a firm believer in our need to respond to these needs on a community level, but there is something else that needs to be discussed when it comes to those needing help.  Yes, we should be there for them, but we must also be willing to work with them to help them to become personally independent.  No, we may not know the circumstances of all the people we are called to help, but we will know the backgrounds of some folks – and when we do, we should consider if they need a hand out or a hand up.  Do they need us to take on their responsibilities for them or do they need us to teach them what they need to do, then encourage them to do it for themselves?  I believe the modern terminology for this centers around the concept of “enabling”, but the Bible addressed it in a very pointed way, “For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.  For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.  Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.”  (II Thessalonians 3:10-12).  In essence, as leaders, we have a responsibility to help people be productive and active in their own lives.  When we do, not only does it relieve the economic burden (so that those who need additional resources can be supported), but it also helps people be more productive and disciplined (in other words, by “working” they are more apt to stay out of trouble).
Let’s help everyone in a way they need it.  If they need to be provided with assets, let’s get them to them.  If they need a nudge in a more productive direction, let’s provide that as well.  Wisdom will help us figure out the proper approach.
Think About It!

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