If our passion truly is to help others, we must build into our processes some things that can build lasting change, not just temporary fixes. Helping someone change their life for the better is much better than just a band-aid for the present.
So we must seek wisdom and instruction over just meeting our temporary need. When someone asks me for help, most of the time, I’ll direct them to one of my blogs, tell them about one of my classes or shoot them in the direction of the instruction they need. This is not always what they are looking for, sometimes they will say “can’t you just give me the answer?” No, I can’t. Because what I am giving you is far more valuable, it’s lasting change if you decide to apply it.
So we must offer wisdom and instruction over just temporary assistance. I’m sure you’ve heard, it’s the difference in giving away fish and teaching someone to catch fish on their own. I’m sure you’ve noticed that many people who gain things without really earning it are typically no better off than they were before the gain. They’ve essentially regressed to their mean. Maybe even worse.
Why is this?
There are many reasons. Poor habits, living beyond supply, false sense of security, the list can go on and on. If you spend your life helping others grow rather than meeting temporary need, you WILL reap the harvest of success.
Is there someone you have continually enabled by giving them a fish rather than helping them grow to be fishermen?
How can you explain to them fishing would be better?
Is there an area of your life you have been given fish rather than seeking the knowledge yourself? What would have to happen to change that?
Comments