Andres
Puritan Board Doctor
I am currently thinking over an issue at work and I would appreciate some wisdom and input on my situation. Here is my issue: at my office one of our coworkers has sent an email out to everyone that reads as follows:
At the risk of sounding like a greedy miser, am I wrong for not feeling comfortable giving to this family? I understand that Christians are to help the needy and I guess based on this description, the family is certainly needy. My issue arises when people want to give the kids a lot of stuff simply because it’s Christmas. For example, last year this was done with a different family and there were several trashbags full of toys for a few children ( I think three kids). I was thinking, “do the kids really need this many toys?” What I mean is everyone at Christmas time is telling the families that they should have a lot of toys for their kids – almost like the kids deserve to receive lots of toys. Of course, then the children whose parents can’t give them all these toys feel jilted of sorts. Aren’t we perpetuating these feelings by piling toys on these kids? I can’t figure out why I don’t feel comfortable contributing to these types of things. The only other thing I can think of is that it feels self-righteous parading into the school with all theses sacks of gifts and then giving them away like we are so generous and kind.
Am I just being greedy? You can be honest with me (but gentle please).
The Lord has sent us another family this year that is in need of help for Christmas. This family consists of 11 people. There are 7 children, a single mom, her brother that is also a single dad, and their elderly grandparents all living under one roof. Both single parents to the children have minimum wage employment. They try to make ends meet, but are really having a tough time. When we, contacted the mother (Melissa) and asked her if they could use some help, she broke out into tears and said yes. You could hear the sigh of relief as she cried. We as a DPS family, have the opportunity to bring joy to a struggling family. We could use your help by purchasing toys, clothes, food or anything that your heart desires. Lets come together and line the hallways with gifts like we have done in past years. The greatest blessing you can receive is by blessing someone else. Anyone who would like to help deliver these gifts is welcome to go. The date and time have not been set for the delivery of the gifts.
At the risk of sounding like a greedy miser, am I wrong for not feeling comfortable giving to this family? I understand that Christians are to help the needy and I guess based on this description, the family is certainly needy. My issue arises when people want to give the kids a lot of stuff simply because it’s Christmas. For example, last year this was done with a different family and there were several trashbags full of toys for a few children ( I think three kids). I was thinking, “do the kids really need this many toys?” What I mean is everyone at Christmas time is telling the families that they should have a lot of toys for their kids – almost like the kids deserve to receive lots of toys. Of course, then the children whose parents can’t give them all these toys feel jilted of sorts. Aren’t we perpetuating these feelings by piling toys on these kids? I can’t figure out why I don’t feel comfortable contributing to these types of things. The only other thing I can think of is that it feels self-righteous parading into the school with all theses sacks of gifts and then giving them away like we are so generous and kind.
Am I just being greedy? You can be honest with me (but gentle please).