BEGGARS
One day after service a gentlemen approached us (ihlcc) with a story of coming to Tulsa from another place. His voice was soft and his
image was downtrodden. You can probably see where this is going and if you guessed he was looking for a hand-out you would have guessed
right. He told of his family being with him and having nowhere else to turn to for help. He was very clear to mention that he needed
around twenty dollars ($20) to make it through the night. Since we had had a good service we were feeling pretty good. We were thanking
God for being so good to us during the year 2014. We looked back on the challenges we faced the past year and thought on how the Lord
delivered us from them all and we praised the Lord for being so good to us and our family. Certainly He is worthy to be praised all hail
King Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords. I spoke with the young man that even though the church doesn’t give out money I would do it
from my personal money because I do know a lot of people are hurting right now. Since he mentioned to me that he was staying at a motel
that charged him $45 a night if he could get around $20 dollars he could make it through the night. I told him I would give him a $100 in
the Name of the Lord to help him for a couple of days and we wrote his name down and prayed with him for the Lord’s help. Although this
sounds good and I was very sincere it was the unwise thing to do. I will explain; right after the gentlemen left the church very excited
because he left with more than what he expected to receive. He also drew a certain amount of comfort knowing that we left on good
terms. However, just because this sounds like an act of kindness that does not mean it was the godly thing to do. Since we are ministers
of God we must be caution to only do what Jesus would do. This usually comes from acting on His Holy Blessed Word not an emotional response
to a sad story. Remember Joshua did that (believed a sad story by what he saw not what he prayed about to get direction from God) in Joshua
chapter 9 by making a covenant with Gibeon and the error of their hasty judgment vexed the entire congregation of the children of Israel. My
hasty response to give the beggar some money and pray for him and his situation was the wrong approach on several levels which I will speak
briefly about in the following paragraphs:
For reason one the scripture tells us in Psalms 37:23-26 KJV the righteous are not forsaken
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
These verses explain that the righteous do not beg, period! It is not that they are too proud to ask for a handout but rather they are always blessed with proper provision so they don’t need to beg for money. Certainly according to the scriptures if the children are not blessed they would need financial help and perhaps beg but the Word of God is clear on stating repeatedly that even the seed of the righteous shall be blessed (verse 26 and other biblical verses in the Holy Bible). This means that righteous people will face adversity but they will overcome it without begging others for their money. Remember Job who faced a great deal of adversity but never held up a sign for a handout, nor did Job visit his neighbors with a sad story of his hardships. Why, because Job knew his answer comes from God and most hard workers know that if I go back to working hard consistently money will come to me, therefore I don’t have to go begging other people for their money to come to me. Example: Even when King David (and his army) lost everything at Ziklag causing himself with his army to be under great distress he did not go out and beg for money. The king simply enquired of the Lord if he should go to work immediately or pause and wait upon the Lord for more guidance (further instructions). However, the Lord was very quick to tell King David go to work immediately to recover all loss. Thus, the king went to work immediately by first pursuing his opponent then going to war with them. The king recovered all through hard work with the guidance of God.–Refer to 1 Samuel 30 This is our example for all who choose to live righteously. You, oh young child of God, do not recover income by begging but rather by working diligently with thy hands and mind under the direction (inspiration, guidance) of God.
For reason two the scripture tells us to feed the sheep in John 21:15-17 KJV
15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
The verses are implying at least two things in the fact that we are to give people coming into the church for food (understanding of God) the word of God. Yes, I would even go so far as to say if people come into the church for healing they shall be healed in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, people should come to church and when they do give them the pure word of truth void of lies and hypocrisy. If people are coming to the church (or you personally) to receive a physical gift (money) we must let them know they are coming for the wrong reason (motive). Those who beg from people or the church must be steered back to spiritual sustenance over physical provision. People don’t like this but it is the truth and all who lack physically need both spiritual and physical meat. Jesus did this in John 6:26-27 KJV
26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
Secondly, these verses clearly state “Feed my lambs” which means we should minister unto God’s people not just every person. Yes, there are some people who visit churches looking for money. This motive (inner motion) is ungodly so when I prayed for the young man (the beggar) it was in error. Why? Because how can God bless ungodliness? He can’t and He doesn’t and He shall not bless mess. The fact is He does not bless those who violate His Holy Word even if we ask Him to. Thus, my prayer was nothing more than wasted words spoken upon my wasted breath. Therefore, we have adopted a new policy for the church which states, “The church (of ihlcc) does not give out money to non-members.” And the second part of that policy reads, “If you don’t contribute to the church/ihlcc ministry financially you do not qualify for a financial return on your giving”. That sounds fair and right but people sure don’t like it when it is enforced. Amen! These principles were introduced primarily because there are a lot of people in the world who prey on receiving money for nothing more than giving a sad story.
For reason three the scripture tell us in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 KJV
6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
These verses are very clear that a man (brethren) should work and if he refuses to work he should not eat. Notice that the Lord didn’t even mention anything about shelter because food is a higher priority. It is obvious that people can live under trees and rocks (like animals) for a sustained period of time but without food you will certainly perish over several days. It is not that God is trying to be hard He just knows unless people are willing to live righteously they are going to experience hardships repeatedly in their life. Notice that God calls these people busybodies because He (The Lord and some of His children) understand that those people are going to interfere with the lifestyles of other people solely because they need their (the working person’s) help (money, provision) in order to survive off of handouts. Thus, without receiving some handouts from others their workless lifestyle is in jeopardy of being finished. Why? Primarily because any ungodly system should fail according to the word of God. Generally speaking the Lord doesn’t give life to dead works. The truth is that some people enjoy a workless lifestyle that feeds upon the generosity of others. Yes, these people build upon charity rather than building upon the foundation of God’s Word. They expect charity from others but they are not charitable in their giving to God for others. They are beggars at heart solely because their conscious has been sheared to believe that receiving handouts is an acceptable way of life. Do not be deceived my brother and sister the Lord has definitely talked to them about this error of their ways but they refuse to listen, so it is to my disadvantage to foster this inappropriate lifestyle by giving unto their perverted heart (mindset). Notice in verse 12 that they should work and eat their own bread which basically means they should not be eating your bread (or the churches bread). If bread can be used as a symbol of money we could also say they should be using (spending) their own money not someone else’s.
For reason four the scripture tell us in 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 KJV don’t be deceived by evil communication
33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
This basically means people who speak evil lies and hypocrisy can influence others to follow their plan which will produce more sin. Yes, people can speak evil by telling a lying story of hardship to influence (softly persuade) you to give unto their vision. However, just because they are wrong (crooked, perverted) in their thinking it is no good reason why you should be a partaker of sin with them. No, No my brother and sister withdrawn yourself from their presence that they could be ashamed because they know without a shadow of doubt that you do not approve of their behavior (their begging). Yes, oh child of God, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Yes, to beg for money void of any physical or mental handicap is ungodly thus it is sin. Although begging for money legally is shown in the Holy Bible when a person is physically handicapped (Mark 10:46-52) as was the case with blind Bartimaeus he threw away his beggars garment because he sought healing over his physical handicap. Once receiving his healing in his eyes he followed Jesus in the way. This speaks volumes because a true disciple of Jesus will follow the principles of God involving physical work as soon as they are delivered. They will stop seeking money (begging) to start seeking God’s Way (God’s Will for their life). There are some people who are professional beggars with no intensions of quitting, so you must quit on them (deny their begging request) because they have already quit on God’s Word (His commandments and principles). If you allow their sad story to gain entrance into your heart you would have opened the door to the devil with the full potential of deception, thus many are deceived. Treat them fairly and firmly by avoiding all conversation about lack by encouraging them to take their burden to the Lord and speak the righteous word of God that, “He will (shall) supply their needs if they are righteous tithers in the Body of Christ”. Point them to their pastor and Word of God to answer their questions about having their financial needs met and if they don’t have any questions about money definitely don’t entertain any financial stories about their financial hardships. No one said it would be easy to be a Christian because you do walk contrary to the world but it is a good thing to do and the right path to walk to live humbly and faithfully before God.
For reason five the scripture states in Luke 14:28-32 KJV that we should have foresight
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.
These verses basically state that we should have some wisdom and/or understanding about how the decisions we make today will affect our tomorrows. Many people decide to leave a job because they don’t like the working conditions but they also don’t like not having any income after that decision. We have seen people do this and instead of diligently looking for a replacement job they seek only a job that meets their qualifications and desires. Oh yes, we know some people have lost their job by being fired too but that is no reason to beg. At one time in my life I too was fired (let go, released due to lack of work flow, etc…) but I did not resort to begging because the gracious Lord Jesus and our Heavenly Father showed us what to do next. Which was very practical, we started applying for work and found a good job around a month or two later. Yes, the point is people need to take a serious look at their future and if they are content to live off the work of someone else that is their bad decision, not yours. Every person should know that every day they don’t work it will have a negative impact on their financial future and if they are willfully (stubbornly) heading in that wrong direction no one can positively help them over the long haul if they are unwilling to change their beggars mentality. Yes, a person can offer some temporary aid (as I did with the handout) but that temporary aid is not the proper solution for their problem. It is like trying to handle a spiritual and mental problem with physical means, it does work, never has and it never will. Yes, Jesus is the only solution to man’s spiritual state and status, thus the Lord Jesus and Heavenly Father will help both spiritually, mentally and physically too because when God’s people are willing and obedient they will eat the good of the land.-Refer to Isaiah 1:19 Amen!
For reason six the scripture states in Ephesians 4:28 KJV that good labor is God’s precursor to giving
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
This scripture basically states that our work is tied to our giving. This verse is not stating that giving to a beggar is right or wrong but it is stating that we should be in a position to give after working with our hands the thing that is good (earning a honest wage for honest work). Think about it people who work usually receive a paycheck or some type of compensation for their labor simple knowing that the laborer is worthy of his/her reward (their hire).-Refer to Luke 10:7 Thus, no one should be comfortable living off the labor of another simply because God never ordained such a practice. When we work we receive wages of which a certain percent, at least ten percent (the tithe), goes to God to pay for His servants and His natural services (expenses). We (ihlcc) have seen that most beggars are only interested in themselves so they don’t give anything to God but yet they have no shame when it comes to receiving from God (or His Church). If you believe that everyone should reap what they sow you have to believe that beggars should not reap a good harvest void of sowing any good (godly) seed. We (ihlcc) ask you God’s beloved, “Is it right to reap the reward of another?” “Should a non-worker receive the wages of a worker?” we should think not. Not only is this dishonorable before God but it is definitely disrespectful to your fellowman. If you believe that a man should not reap the fruits of another man’s garden you would be righteous and that righteous mindset would prohibit you from endorsing the ungodly actions of beggars once you know (understand) their actions to be a sin.
For reason seven the scripture states in Ephesians 4:29-32 KJV that no corrupt communication and/or evil speaking should come out of our mouth
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
The Lord is very clear about our conversation being pure according to God’s Word. We have more recently learned that evil speaking comes from magnifying your circumstances over God’s Word. Remember the 10 spies brought back an evil report because it was void of faith in Numbers 13. Thus, it is not acceptable before God to just openly and casually speak forth what you believe in your heart if it is contrary to God’s Promises. No, you and all those around you who come to the church of God, as Christians, should speak forth God’s Word. We should express God’s heart via His Word and not our carnal thoughts, attitudes and opinions. Even if the person was speaking the facts about his hard circumstances he should not do it openly before others he/she doesn’t know in the house of the Lord. Yes, again if a brother or sister has a problem let them take up their issue with the Lord and our Heavenly Father and do exactly what He (The Lord Jesus and our Heavenly Father) speaks to them. Ok, someone will say, “What if they don’t know how to communicate with God?” That my faith friend is their problem and if you want to help them establish a relationship with God that is good and profitable for them. Yes, communicating with God is not deep and complex because all who call upon the Name of the Lord Jesus shall be saved according to Romans 10:13. The word “salvation” is all inclusive for healing, spiritual salvation from hell, emotional stability, freedom from fear, financial help, strength for working, repairing of a broken heart, etc…. (we could go on but you get the point). The beggar must learn whether in truth and honesty or a flat out lie speaking of hard times to burden someone else with your problems is wrong. Whether evil speaking or bitterness of heart because of your present circumstances it is all complaining of soul which should not be done unto another brother and/or sister in Christ. They should repent and go into a new direction of praising God for meeting their needs and start looking for work instead of financial handouts. The true man and/or woman of faith calls those things which be not as though they were (Romans 4:17b) while praising God for the victory in Christ Jesus. Amen!
There are always other reasons as to why begging is wrong but we (ihlcc) only pointed out a few. If seven sound (good, godly) reasons are not sufficient for a person who believes in begging no certain number of additional reason (scriptures) will persuade them otherwise. In summation discourage begging by pointing beggars to physically work (no exceptions and no excuses) and spiritual look to God (not necessary His church, explain the different if they are openly listening), then removing yourself from their presence such that they are ashamed for their actions. We don’t (never) condemn the person but we cannot endorse their actions of begging. Dear saint you cannot be a friend of the world and a disciple of Christ Jesus so you must stand apart. We don’t give place to their sad stories solely because we have nothing to do with their doctrine. We believe the doctrine of Christ Jesus our Lord concerning personally working and financially giving to others void of begging, thus we believe all other doctrines concerning negative emotional (sad, out of duty) giving to be false and misleading. Amen! Holdfast your righteous position in Christ Jesus and don’t let any man, woman and/or child or devil take you away from your firm foundation upon the solid Rock of Jesus Christ. Amen!
In His Love, Eric & Angela Foster