Friday; October 14

Helping people is hard work.

As I sit here and look at that statement, I don’t know that I have ever seen it in print. Sure we laud the spirit and commitment it takes to help others … and we have seen how easy it is to hide from the responsibility to help others, but have we ever really sat down and admitted that giving to others is tough? Sometimes the difficulty comes from being overwhelmed by financial demands, but probably the hardest part is the mental and emotional part of the equation. Helping people who can’t help themselves often requires that we have to think in creative ways. (Problem-solving may also require problem-fixing before moving forward.) Additionally, charitable activity typically involves being involved with people who are needy and may be demanding. Not only can they struggle with limited assets, but their emotional resources may also be reduced as well. I repeat the obvious: helping people is hard work!

Okay, we get it, but that brings us back around to the truth of the matter – we must help people! The difficulty of the job does not give us an excuse not to do it. As our mommas used to tell us, “Life is tough, get used to it!”. The great thing about this recognition is that we don’t have to do good on our own – and I am not just talking about partnering with other people to accomplish a task. When Peter reflected on the life of Jesus he observed, “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38). When we are challenged by problems, let’s remember Who we have in our corner. Not only do we have the power of the Spirt of God, we also have the insight and strength of the One who is the Head of the church.

Let’s hang in there and do good. Not only it necessary, it is also possible.

Think About It!

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