Helping or Hindering

This young lady had a child at a young age, quit her job and stop going to college never attaining her degree and is now faced with, “Why is my life upside down?”

She seeks living the life of fame and relinquishes her responsibilities saying, “It’s too hard.” Day after day she prefers to beg from others than take the initiative to tend to her responsibilities. As a result many bear her load, as she gets more and more cripple in the process.

The thought of helping another can be exciting. Some are deficient in the area of being blessed and lack being able to bless others. Yet, sometimes helping someone can actually hinder the person.

My thought jogs my memory to the scripture, “carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ,” (Gal 6:2).

As a Christian it is my duty to bear another’s burdens. However, it is vital that the verse proceeding is considered. “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently,” (Gal 6:1).

The lame beggar begged for money but what he needed was to walk. It was not until he openly accepted the heavenly help that he was able to walk. “Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong,” (Acts 3:7).

I heard a pastor say he could have told Peter, “Be realistic, man I need some money. I am in a bad situation and in the name of Jesus is not going to help.” However, the lame man freely allowed Peter to take him by the hand.

I imagine this young lady has not yet readily opened herself to spiritual help. This young lady was caught in sin. Her life was upside down not because she had a stamp on her forehead that said “kick me down.” Her life was in turmoil because of the decisions she made. When considering the scripture I naturally think I should help her. Yet to “what extent should I help her?”

Perhaps you think helping someone means taking on the other person’s responsibility. Maybe you think if I carry this person for a month or two, possibly six months, “I am being gentle.” But are you doing what you are directed to do. Are you mapping out how to restore the person gently? To be restored is to bring back to or put back into a former or original state.

Help can either help or hinder. The beggar in no way accepting “in the name of Jesus,” never comes to know the joy of walking, if the helper does not ask God, “How shall I be of service?” As a result they hinder the beggar.

Maybe you know someone that has made mistakes and constantly needs help? Are you the person that needs assistance time after time? Are you like Peter and John giving the person what they need or a fix just to get by? Or are you the cripple only asking for a quick fix, putting off what you need?

Reflect on your position. Are you seeking to be a blessing or get a blessing? Ask God to help you impart your faith walk with another? Pray to the Lord that your help is not in vain? If you need help call upon the Lord to give you what you need. God is not going to bless a selfish request. God does not have solitary blessings; He has domino blessings for the masses.