The Price of Being "Good"

Sometimes it's easy to recognize those who are 'in need.' We have physical needs, financial needs, and along with those come a variety of emotional needs. However, one of the dangers our church (and society in general) faces in the assumption that some people are above being 'in need.'

I was a pretty good kid growing up. I didn't get into a lot of trouble and I was one those kids other parents could trust. I really struggled with this in my teen years - especially within my youth group at church. I was 'low maintenance' and my pastors didn't have to put in any work to try and 'fix' me. Thus, I watched as the 'troubled' kids (those with behavioral problems, divorced parents, etc...) received all the attention.

When I did go through my rebellious phase, suddenly my pastor and youth leaders wanted to 'help.' Naturally, I took on the attitude of "You didn't care about me before, why should I listen to you now."

As adults, we can catch ourselves doing the same thing. We believe people are 'well off,' 'have it all together,' and assume they just don't need us. Therefore, we sacrifice a relationship with them; not because we don't like them, but because we don't feel as if they 'need' us.

Paul talks in Philippians 4:12 about knowing the secrets to facing both abundance and need. Most of the time, I think we are focused on helping others face the 'need.' But what about facing abundance? What are some of the struggles Paul was talking about in facing abundance? Why would a life of abundance be hard?

When people are struggling physically and financially, I think their emotional struggles are easy to pick up on; but when we don't see others struggling physically, I think we assume they must be doing good emotionally. Then, we are surprised when they all of a sudden have a breakdown, leave the church, or just quit life.

I think the price we pay for being 'good' is more of an emotional struggle because we are less 'sought after.' Everybody needs a person. A person who checks in, lives life with them, and knows their struggles - externally and internally. This is hard. We don't like feeling vulnerable and open to people most of the time. Everyone wants to be sought after, but not everyone is willing to seek others out.

This is why it's important to pray for leaders, pastors, and those who are 'well-off' because they might not be so well off as we think. Yes, helping others whose needs are known is something we are called to do. But don't assume that anybody is not 'in need.' We are all in need. If we weren't, we wouldn't need Jesus to save us.

So, the price we pay for being 'good,' can be loneliness, feelings of being over-looked - you know people care, but it's hard to remember. So, remind someone that you care for them - even if they are 'okay.'