A Hand Up And A Hand Out
We are called to help people. Period. God’s Word tells us this:
- Take care of yourself.
- Take care of your family.
- Take care of others.
Take Care Of Yourself (e.g., Be About Your Business)
We are called to be busy – not busy bodies. We are not to be idle. We should be about the Lord’s business and contributing to society.
6 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. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 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. 9 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. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. -2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Take Care Of Relatives And Family
We should also tend to and care for our own family.
Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. -1 Timothy 5:8
Take Care Of Others
We are also called to take care of others.
15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. -James 2:15-17
If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? -1 John 3:17
All Together Now
To me, there is a continuum of order:
- We must personally be willing to work. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
- We should look after the needs of our family and relatives. 1 Timothy 5:8
- We should look after the needs of others. Matthew 5:42
All of which is to keep the church from being burdened. But isn’t that what the church is for? Yes, the church is to care for people. But we are called, as well. All too often, caring for others is too easily placed on the shoulders of someone else, the church, or maybe even the government.
Consider this verse:
If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need. -1 Timothy 5:16
You will note the words “not let the church be burdened with them.”
This seems somewhat counter-intuitive … until you read on: “so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.”
A Hand Up And A Hand Out
- Is it OK for the church to have outreach programs? Of course.
- Is it OK for the church to feed people? Of course.
- Is it OK for the church to serve those that can’t serve themselves? Of course.
To me, the gist is for us to consider how we might personally impact the situation – before we just point people somewhere else.
So, sometimes we are called to offer a hand up (e.g., helping someone find a job). Other times, we are called to offer a hand out (e.g., literally feeding some one). Whatever the case, be encouraged in this:
” … 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.” -Luke 6:38
May you be encouraged to go and do likewise.
APR
About the Author:
Ken Moll is the Principal and Founder of Blue Elevator®. With professional experience spanning four decades, Ken has a breadth of foundational business knowledge rarely found – making him part of an elite class of professionals. Ken's passion is helping clients of Blue Elevator® get their “business to the next level™.”