Guest Column / Richard Etienne

A father’s wisdom reminds us we need to take time to pay it forward

When I was young, I distinctly remember my Dad saying, “There are two kinds of people in this world—givers and takers. Don’t be a taker.”

I don’t think the decision is quite that stark (an either/or) but the question remains at one’s core: is a person basically going to be more of a giver or more of a taker (both/and)?

Part of our adult life as Christians is struggling with this issue: allowing others to do things for us at times, as well as on other occasions, watching for appropriate avenues to assist others in need who have come into our lives.

One organization to which I have chosen to dedicate some of my time and energy is Habitat for Humanity. There is a misconception for some that applicants to this program are “given” houses. This is not an accurate portrayal because these individuals are required to put in many hours of “sweat equity” before they can eventually qualify to purchase a home and begin making payments on their mortgages. There is much education and training that is required … because a home is not a blessing if one can’t first pay for it, and secondly, maintain it over time.

It is only after all of these steps have been completed that—assuming that the applicant has made all of the mortgage payments for a considerable percentage of the mortgage’s length—the few remaining payments are “forgiven” at the very end of the process.

In the Book of Isaiah, the prophet encourages “sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own” (Is 58:7).

And Matthew’s Gospel reads, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs? He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for the least of these you did not do for me’ ” (Mt 25:44-45).

Are there any special ways that you can engage in service to others who might be struggling with any of these basic needs? What specific action steps could make this service possibility a reality?
 

(Richard Etienne has a degree in theology from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad and resides in Newburgh, Ind.) †