I have been thinking about the value of social help lately. Does helping the needy truly help or can it merely enable people. To be sure I am not talking about those who are needy as a result of others actions alone but instead those who are needy because of addictions or behavioural issues.
I mean, when you make using easier it hardly allows people to feel the natural consequences of using drugs. Now some will say that the addiction is a disease and I would agree, however people are also ultimately responsible for the choices.
Some say genetic predisposition others say environment caused the behaviour and sure both obviously do have an effect yet it is not good enough to say that the environment is all powerful and that people have no choice or are controlled by circumstances alone. So if the environment can't take all the blame neither can the person than clearly compassionate intervention is needed.
How can aid be helpful and not just a crutch. Perhaps the answer is in the heart, or is this just an easy out. Do results matter? If so, than the environmental issues must be addressed and alternative decision making processes must be taught.
As a Christian I believe that we are called to show mercy and grace. To reflect the nature of Christ in us and see it in others in order that we may worship a loving God who was merciful to each of us. Love, however, does not mean giving people always what they want, in fact that can often be self serving and against the loving example of Christ. The heart must be filled with love for the sovereign God through a relationship with the saviour Christ Jesus.
I mean, when you make using easier it hardly allows people to feel the natural consequences of using drugs. Now some will say that the addiction is a disease and I would agree, however people are also ultimately responsible for the choices.
Some say genetic predisposition others say environment caused the behaviour and sure both obviously do have an effect yet it is not good enough to say that the environment is all powerful and that people have no choice or are controlled by circumstances alone. So if the environment can't take all the blame neither can the person than clearly compassionate intervention is needed.
How can aid be helpful and not just a crutch. Perhaps the answer is in the heart, or is this just an easy out. Do results matter? If so, than the environmental issues must be addressed and alternative decision making processes must be taught.
As a Christian I believe that we are called to show mercy and grace. To reflect the nature of Christ in us and see it in others in order that we may worship a loving God who was merciful to each of us. Love, however, does not mean giving people always what they want, in fact that can often be self serving and against the loving example of Christ. The heart must be filled with love for the sovereign God through a relationship with the saviour Christ Jesus.
posted by Michael at 2:37 pm
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