But who is to blame for this effortless possession of money and other materials? This lack of understanding is very subconscious; therefore, the giver is to be blamed, not the person who receives. The one who spoon-feeds is to blame, not the baby who does not know any better. One cannot be blamed for never being taught. I will not have patience if I do not know what patience is. I will not be modest, if only encouraged to boast. I will not give, when only accustomed to receiving. I will only accept the best accessories possible and take advantage of what has been given. I am not saying it is wrong to receive; Jesus even talks about being not only a cheerful giver, but receiver. However, if everything one owns has simply been given to them, they are subconsciously inconsiderate of those around. How can you be considerate or understanding of a struggle you have never experienced? How can you truly appreciate what you have obtained if you did not work for it? The only way to truly appreciate your material blessings is to have lived without them. I am never appreciative of all the work my mother does at home, until I am away and forced to perform some of the tasks she has always done for me. The only way a man will be grateful or perceive the worth of a new truck is if he works his way up from a lousy truck. Being deserving of this new truck is directly related with how much work was put into obtaining it, as well as the truck he owned before in comparison. The work that was put into obtaining the truck reflects how proud the owner will be, which then reflects the way the truck is treated or used. What prevents someone from being spoiled is the way in which they receive. Two people can be given one thousand dollars and feel completely different ways about it. One may use the money on new clothes while the other uses the money to further their purpose in order to reach their goals.
So what separates the man who works to obtain a new pair of shoes from the man who is simply given a pair? Often times it is the family. The man who works hard for his possessions and is greatly rewarded must be careful in giving. There are many men who have worked hard in order to become successful, only to spoil their children and deprive them of the very characteristic that made them successful. How can you expect your children to give of their possessions if they are not deserving of them? If a spoiled child were to give you a new television; the child is simply using someone else's resources to buy the gift. For example, if I give you $500 and you buy me a $500 television, you have given me nothing aside from the thought and action of spending my own money.
There is much more that can be discussed concerning material possessions, but I would like to continue the discussion on how hard work and sacrifice are the main ways to gain possession of something in a deserving way. At this point I am no longer talking about material matters, but much bigger issues. In order to make a difference in the world one must be stretched and have to stretch others to accomplish a particular goal. The way in which you receive from others is exactly what separates the spoiled from the inspired. My parents and grandparents have done so much for me growing up, there is now way I can ever repay them. For this reason, I do not plan to repay them; only to continually work my hardest to achieve what I have set out to do. In this way, I may be a good receiver without paying back or being spoiled. Their continual support is aimed directly at my purpose and allows me to achieve what I feel is right. This does not mean I am deserving of my family's support, but that I am appreciative and aware.
In order to be a freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela often put his family and friends in tough situations, which led to bans and imprisonment. Although he relied on the support of his family and friends, he was usually away from them and unable to give back what he had received. Being a freedom fighter prevented him from being there for his wife and children as they grew up. Although Mandela had to sacrifice so much of himself and others, he did this knowing that his footsteps were in the right direction. In order to make a difference in the world, Mandela not only had to work hard for everything he achieved, but he also had to stretch his family and friends as well. I am blessed with a family that is willing to stretch for me and support me no matter what their circumstances. I am quite thankful that my parents have managed to give me so much of their time and money without spoiling me. In this way, I am able to receive what I cannot give back, yet still fully appreciate what has been given. If I use everything that is given to me to further my purpose on Earth then I may receive endlessly. By being a good recipient hopefully I can make a difference in the world and be deserving of all that has been given to me.
