TODAY THE WORDS are DO I OWE YOU SOMETHING? We live in an atmosphere of entitlement and expectation from others and I am not only speaking of government programs; I am speaking the actions of family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors. I am speaking generally and not calling anyone out and I am directing this message to a state of the world and not individually. However, if you feel defensive while reading this message; it might pay the reader to stop and evaluate your actions. A parent tries his or her best to take care of their children; teaching them the rights and the wrongs of actions; most people incorporate their faith into the children’s upbringing; procure an education; furnish a home, clothing, and food; and hopefully show them love. Do we owe a child how to work, contribute to purchases; and budget as well as save? Yes, indeed. If a child is taught to participate in these activities, it instills pride and experience. They have a different outlook from the child who is handed everything on a platter, whether the platter is silver or plastic. A parent does owe a child something and beside the provision of life’s necessities; responsibility and ownership of their life are those obligations. It is not giving and giving more which is the debt we owe our children; it is the education of what life is all about and not to expect or more importantly, desire handouts from anyone. Teach the child to be the giver, the provider, the creator of projects, the thrill of self achievement and self worth. I see young adults and some older adults who never had this lesson. They go through life thinking someone owes them something and it is up to someone else to help them. The Whoa Is Me personality is a result from the lack of this ownership of our life education. Give me, give me, give me is the wrong attitude. Friends expect friends or family to make up for what they didn’t accomplish in life. People want to blame parents, employers, or friends for the hard earned success and not hold themselves accountable. Do I owe you something? Yes, but it is not a living, shelter, food, but it is sharing my knowledge and anything I can do to help you help yourself. Being a good person doesn’t mean you have to make up for another’s irresponsibility. It means to help others when they cannot help themselves. Be good, be kind, be compassionate, but don’t think you owe people unnecessary handouts. I think God helps those who helps themselves.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
(c) copyright 2014 Arline Lott Miller. The material here copyrighted, use only by permission.
