Trusting God But Unnecessarily Draining The Food Pantry And Soup Kitchens

[1still_waters]

How many have heard the phrase, "Well I'm trusting God"?

I'm sure many of us have. I'm not dismissing the necessary aspect and truth of trusting God. This post is more about the people who do it recklessly, almost to the point of tempting God.

For example, some people, in the name of 'trusting God', they won't save money for the future. They believe God is just going to take care of them, so why save?!

Or maybe in the name of trusting God, they won't take a job or jobs that will provide more income.

Often these types of people can be found at the soup kitchen getting the soup, or at the food closet at church getting food. Please hear me clearly. I'm not speaking against the use of these things. They are certainly necessary and needed. People shouldn't be shunned for using those resources.

But here's my question, the people who don't save for the future in the 'name of trusting God' or won't take a higher paying job or extra job, because they are 'trusting God', are these people wrong in using things like the free soup kitchens and the food pantry at church?

To me, people like this aren't 'trusting God', they're just taking advantage of people who are good stewards of their money and use their excess to donate for said soup kitchen or food pantry.

Such people may go to the soup kitchen and food pantry, then proudly proclaim, "See God provided. I'm trusting Him!"

To me, truly trusting God happens, when you're doing everything within your power, using wisdom, and at the same time, knowing God will provide.

So what's your take on it?

 

[seoulsearch]

I've often wondered about this myself--if I'm guilty of being greedy and worldly if I don't want to help people who are clearly not making any effort to get a job or say that the jobs available are below them, etc., and then readily take handouts as a mean's of "God's provision."

I'm always reminded of (it's one of Paul's writings, right, Still? You're a lot better at references than I am!) the verse that says those who don't do the work shouldn't be allowed to take part in the payoffs (those who don't put in their share of labor shouldn't be allowed a share of what they did not help earn.)

I am certainly NOT saying we should ignore Jesus' commands to help those in need, but there is a balance. God expects us to be responsible--the ant is praised for being a hard-working creature and for storing up a supply of food for the winter. Likewise, in the parable of the ten wise virgins who brought extra lamp oil, when the ten foolish ones said, "Share with us," the wise ones pretty much said, "You should have thought ahead and been prepared--go and buy your own," and this was considered a righteous answer.

When God sent Joseph ahead of his family to Egypt, the answer to divine provision was wisdom, a lot of hard work, and saving up massive amounts of food for tough times that God had forewarned them about. And the people came to BUY the food, not have it given out to them freely.

I think sometimes people ignore the fact that God's ultimate provision is often work or an opportunity to work extra hours, etc., planning ahead, and self-control, which is a fruit of the Spirit (saving vs. spending...), not just a charity, handout, or government aid.

I am NOT knocking anyone who is truly going through tough times and making use of such sources, but I AM saying that God wants us to be responsible and productive. I've known a lot of people who don't work because they think they're too good for any job out there... I personally don't think this is what God would want, seeing as He always says pride is one of mankind's biggest stumbling blocks. (I was en route to be a psychologist and now work in a grocery store, so God's made sure I have first-hand experience with the pitfalls of pride!)

 

[Jullianna]

I believe in helping those who absolutely can't help themselves or who just need a hand from time to time, especially the disabled, elderly, those who've been laid off and are diligently looking for work (but have nothing to wear to job interviews), and/or single parents (male or female) with children (since most have to pay out more for daycare than most people could ever imagine).

But, if people are able to work and provide for such things themselves, they should work and not take advantage of those who do. When they abuse food/clothing pantries, they are taking away from those who are truly in need. I can't imagine that being pleasing to the Lord.

 

[1still_waters]

I knew a guy who was a missionary outside of the USA. He said before each long term stay, he'd raise money and save it, so he had resources to live off of overseas. Then he told about these really 'spiritual' and 'pious' types who thought he was wrong for doing that because he wasn't 'trusting God'. These same people would go on their mission trips, without saving resources. Because after all, they were trusting God.

Needless to say, this guy I knew, he said the 'trusting God' people would always end up on his doorstep over seas, asking for food or money! Of course they probably viewed that as "God providing".

 

[zeroturbulence]

If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. 8 Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need. 9 Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near,” so that you do not show ill will toward the needy among your fellow Israelites and give them nothing. They may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. 10 Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. 11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11 NIV

Who is to say which of the poor are there because they were lazy, and which are there despite their valiant efforts??? Surely not I. I will give and know that the LORD sees the generosity in my heart, no matter what the truth is behind the person receiving my generosity. That is between that person and the LORD.

 

[Jullianna]

We probably all give blindly like that to church pantries/charities, Gabe. When I donate food or clothing, I don't ask where it's going. I doubt that anyone else does either. If someone does abuse our generosity, it's on them, not us. They're not accountable to us, they are accountable to God...but it does happen.

 

[thimsrebma]

I agree Stilly. It annoys me too sometimes. I had a friend who I used to go to church with who was in a real bad situation. She grew up in a very dysfunctional family and had contiued the cycle with her own children. After a while of her needyness and unappreciative attitude I just got tired of her victim mentality and our friendship started to fade away.

Now sure she had a rough life, one of the roughest I have ever heard of, but at some point you have to take responsibility for your own actions to help secure a better future for your life. God gives you the tools and abilities to accomplish certain things, but if you just sit on your behind and don't use any of those things God has given you, you are doing yourself a great disservice and dishonoring God.

 

[zeroturbulence]

We probably all give blindly like that to church pantries/charities, Gabe. When I donate food or clothing, I don't ask where it's going. I doubt that anyone else does either. If someone does abuse our generosity, it's on them, not us. They're not accountable to us, they are accountable to God...but it does happen.

Ok. I guess I missed the point of the thread. I thought it was basically a rant about how some poor people who don't even try to financially support themselves don't deserve the money and food donated to help them.