We Work Hard for Their Money

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35 NIV

I've worked in the government sector for over 20 years, most of it working with programs that help low income people and families. I've met many people from all walks of life and have had the privilege of working with some of the most compassionate people I've ever met. As a government employee I've dealt with the 'my taxes are paying your cushy salary to just sit there' mentality, have even had people say it to me in person. But those few exceptions are just that - exceptions. With the help of hard-working people from the private, non profit and public sector, I've been engaged in projects that have helped thousands of people over the years. My work is secondary to the boots on the ground, but without the intermediary between the funding source and the recipient of the benefits, there is no program to help them. It's thankless work really and it's harder than you think. Government funding comes with lots of red tape and hurdles - there's a surprise - and compliance with the literally hundreds of rules and regulations can be mind-boggling. But I love it. I love that the programs I help manage benefit those most in need.

Most of the people I know that work in these programs, especially those in the non-profit sector, aren't in it for the money. They'll be the first to tell you there's not a whole lot of money in it. But they do it because they want to give of their time and energy into something worthwhile that makes their community a better place for everyone, not just those with means. These programs grew from grassroots movements whose organizational values mirrored this verse - it's more blessed to give than to receive and we should help those who may not be able to help themselves right now.

Look around and see how you can be a blessing to others. I promise, the rewards are greater than the sacrifice.