The 'Family' Choice
Monday, 07 Sep 2009
I have not yet met a family that didn't have a family member who didn't need "help" — be it a parent or a sibling or a cousin or an uncle etc. Even families of pastors, elders, deacons, missionaries and counselors are not exempted — but the expectation, of us, always seems higher.
The popular question we get is "if you can help so many people, why can't you help your own ?! (Fill in the blanks — all of us have one). It's a painful question we all have to deal with. We wish we didn't but God seems to allow it — no matter how hard we've tried. Why? I'll never be fully sure, but it's seems close to that " thorn in my side" experienced by Paul... that kept him humble, dependent and compassionate. But there is another truth I've learned — the power of choice. Many people don't understand it, but even God works through choice!
We all don't share the same background or benefits but, no matter how rich or poor we are, we all have one thing in common the gift and power of free choice! So, it's true that, by the grace of God, I have helped many people — especially young people — but they all had one thing in common... They really wanted (and asked) for that help.
Not their mothers, not their fathers... but they themselves exercised their power of choice. And when they did that, and only when they did that, help came — and not just from my team and I — but from God Himself. But if one doesn't want your help, be it your parent, children, brother, sister or cousin, there's really nothing you can do but to pray and keep loving them. It helps if others would stop casting judgments on you but it's more likely that you just have to get over it... and live!
Of course there are also those who don't have the luxury of choice as the majority of us do — i.e. little children, those in chains, oppressed — For these Jesus came for, reached out delivered (Luke 4:18) — and we should do the same — yet He did not escape that similar question. At the cross they mocked Him saying, "He saved others! Why can't He save Himself?” Jesus forgave them and focused on what pleased the Father.
May all of you who are serving the Lord under such circumstances take courage, clear your conscience and continue to exercise compassion! It may be a long time (with much long suffering) before our prayers are answered for that precious family member. In the meantime, we must carry on living our lives and giving our best — firstly to God — and then to all who are willing to receive — without ever giving up on those who aren't yet!
So, no matter how hard it is, don't give up (on family) and don't give in (to "accusations" and "assumptions"). Peace!
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