Measure of a Man: Being Hospitable: The Doughnut Shop
The personal illustration of Getz on pg. 80 captures my attention because I have seen this situation over and over again in ministry. Basically, Getz gives his story on being ripped off by a sad story, and reflects on some tough love that he exhibited to a friend. His observations about the persons lifestyle are to be noted. But, did he do enough to meet the criteria of loving the individual? Did he use his resources wisely, and is that the criteria for obeying God's commands? And what do you make of his last sentence in the section (p. 81)? Is he just making a judgment against the person, and thus an excuse for not trying harder?
What would you do differently?
Where do you draw the line between "aiding people" and "not reinforcing irresponsibility"?
Labels: hospitality, Measure of a Man
posted by Randy Rogers at
5:27 PM
5 Comments:
He does say it was 'latr' when he had these thoughts which seem to rationalize in his own ,imd how lucky it was that he had only coffee and doughnutt money...but I do think in the context of the Bible we are called to be good stewards of our time and money. As such we should not give cash to an obvious junky but rather offer to help with the more common needs of the person.
He did seem a bit ham handed here, concerning the mother's public facade. Yet he had known her for some time and tried to help her in the past, apparently with little promise. His money might be better spent down at the halfway
house for women just out of prison...
Yes, we are to be good stewards. And here is the conflict: when does a good steward need to sacrifice, even unto death, in order to fulfill the will of Jesus? Even if the one receiving shows no change or even true thanks? Alas, I see myself in these words, especially in the way I treat God.
I have noticed lately in some readings the use of the term
'steward'(one acting under obligation) is being relegated to the reject pile for the same reasons the term 'religion' has been, and replaced with the phrases 'kindness of heart', 'generosity toward God and others', and 'heart felt giving', et al ad nauseum. Just an observation...
Seems to be older English, and probably comes with a negative connotation. The newer generation will probably allow the term to disappear, until someone in the next generation "rediscovers" it.
It does not mention stewardship but it does refer to what we should do whether we know it or not...
Luke 12:35-48 (New International Version)
Watchfulness
35"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. 39But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
41Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?"
42The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 45But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.
47"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
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