Don't be an Enabler

Have you ever had a friend or known someone that takes advantage of  kindness and continuously asks for things instead of trying to take care of themselves?  There are people that feel entitled to certain things.  They feel that, because they were a victim of circumstances, the world owes them.  I see this as a real problem with the younger generation today but it is true with older adults too.

Through Jesus we can't afford to lives as victims.  We must live knowing that we are victors.  Jesus saved us from our past or can save us if we give it to Him.  Whatever it is-past abuse- medical conditions-WHATEVER.  God has plans for each of us and living as a victim, waiting for handouts is not it.  (If I have offended you, please accept my apology and keep reading)

God wants us to help either other but being an enabler to the lazy and the ones living in fear of their past or as a victim, God speaks against it. In  2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 says, "For we hear that there are some among you who walk irresponsibly, not working at all, but interfering with the work of others.  Now we command and exhort such people by the Lord Jesus Christ that quietly working, they may eat their own food."

I find myself feeling sorry for people that don't have what they need.  Why?  God provides what we need.  Most of the time the people I find myself helping are people who are perfectly capable of working and earning their own way but choose not to.  God expects us to help those who can't help themselves.  He clearly speaks about helping those thoughout His Word. 

Laziness is a sin that has consequences.  I don't have very good boundaries in place for dealing with this because I do have a heart that wants to help.  BUT-it kind of goes back to the saying about-give a man a fish and he can eat for a day or teach a man to fish and he can eat for a lifetime. (I may not have that exact but you get the point.)

With all of this being said, I am not telling you that you shouldn't help those in need.  I am saying that God wants us to have the wisdom to discern between  those that truly need help and those who are lazy and not doing what God intended with their lives.  Don't be an enabler to those who are living a life of sin by taking advantage of kindest and generosity. 

On the other side of this...if you are the one taking advantage...don't be surprised when you find yourself in a place of abandonment.  God may take away those who enable in order to show tough love. Don't see it as a negative but as a learning experience.  God gives us brains, strength and other provisions in order for us to live in His will.  He never intended for us to waste all of this and live off of the world around us.  He wants us to trust, solely, on Him.  He will give us what we need to do what we have to to provide our own way.

I am speaking from a place of Holy Spirit guidance.  This is a topic that I have been praying about and asking for guidance on.  I know this is a sensitive subject to those of you that struggle to find the strength to press forward into self-reliance. I pray that you will dig deep and find courage to pick yourself up and do what God wants you to. 

If you find that you are an enabler-like myself-find other ways to help the "victim".  Help them write a resume for a job, help them on the job hunt, teach them to read or right or whatever they need.  Give them valuable help that will last a lifetime.  Teach them to take care of themselves by not teaching them to completely rely on others. 
Trust me...you will do them a greater favor.
Remember to keep living them and being kind even if you stop being an enabler.  Don't treat them like enemies even when they get mad at you for not enabling.
"Yet don’t treat him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother."
2 Thessalonians 3:15 HCSB