The hardest A very hard part of ministry is trying not to become calloused toward beggars. There are so many people in this world who legitimately need financial help. I know, I’ve been one of them. Yet there are a few (really a minority) who try to work the system.
It’s always a struggle for me to figure out how to tell the difference between legitimate need and fakery. I like to think that I’m OK at determining motive but in reality I’m pretty horrible at it. I’ve got a sensitive spirit and that nature has been taken advantage of on more than one occasion. I hate being taken advantage of.
So now, when a needy person comes knocking my knee-jerk reaction is to cry “FAKE!” Am I despicable person for distrusting everyone? I wonder.
3 Comments
Ben,
I don’t think you’re despicable. nor do I think “THE” hardest part of ministry is the issue at hand, however, it is “A” hard one and I’ve struggled with it, just like you.
I’ve become bold in this area over time. Nearly once a week people were calling our small rural Church or stopping by asking for money. A few times I followed people to see where they went and I realized I got duped, so, I decided I need to be a better steward. That’s part of the struggle. Being a good / bad steward of the Church’s funds. We do need to help those who really need it.
One of the ways I’ve tried to counter this is by developing a 3-4 page packet for those requesting money to fill out. Most will not take the 15 minutes to fill it out and most do not want to give personal info. If they don’t do it, 99% of the time, we just say we can’t help. Our philosophy is that we’re not only looking to help people short-term, quick-fix but long term, to set them on the right path. The way I see it is, if people don’t want to fill the papers out, their not really interested in help but a handout.
Paul, in 1 Thess. even tells widows not to ask for money because it’s a burden to others. This opened my eyes on the whole issue: people should take every measure not to ask the Church for money.
There is a family of 4 who stands at the curb of the WalMart close to where I live, every Saturday. They have a decent truck and are able-bodied. They probably work during the week, to tell the truth, but beg on Saturdays (sometimes Sundays too). I’ve tried to speak to them and tell them they’re wrong—my wife didn’t like that.
Anyways, these are just some of my thoughts on the issues. Be a good steward and take care of what belongs to God’s Church.
It’s definitely a difficult position to be in for us. On one hand we’ve got an obligation to help out people who are in need. On the other hand, is money always the best way to help?
Its true, there is difficulty meeting the needs of the poor and needy when there are those who, as you say, take advantage of the system. We can still be compassionate and still make a difference in the lives of those with legitimate needs.
I find the best way to combat this issue of people taking advantage is to find out each individuals need and meet the need…this often means money does not go directly to the individual, but instead you take them to a foodstore for groceries …for example, and meet there need of hunger.
It is truly hard, however, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit we can still make an effective difference, do not grow weary in doing good (Gal 6:9)…
Pray and God will reveal a way to effectively care for the needy.