In between other people's emergencies.

     There is so much truth in that statement!  What happened that our lives have come to this point?  How did this come about that we are so intertwined that we have lost track of being our brothers/sisters keeper?  When will we wake up and understand that crossing the line only causes us to be less than God needs us to be.  Who do others think that we are when they ask us to give up ourselves to be what they need us to be.  Where am I going with all of this.  Hopefully, there will be a balanced answer as we end the blog today.  Posing questions is the easy part.  Creating realistic answers is the hard part.  Questions merely point out the obvious.  Creating realistic answers causes us to make choices even when we don't to.  Being an integral part of a group demands that we have something to add for the good of the group.  The same goes for husband/wife, grandparent/grandkids, friends/enemies, and a host of other examples.  Some of which are peculiar to your situation.  Regardless, other people's emergencies need not be ours. 
     The average Christian (real Christian) has a difficulty saying "No." much less meaning no.  The old saying, "An emergency on your part doesn't dictate an emergency on my part." comes to mind.  Defining relationship as well as emergencies helps us to draw boundaries.  What constitutes an emergency for one person is a mere inconvenience for another.  Yes, I know your car broke down and your kids want to get to soccer practice.  The key word in that sentence is "want".  We have lots of wants that we translate into needs.  Yes, the kids do want to go to soccer.  No, they don't need to go to soccer.  Especially if there is not readily available transportation.  Often we turn to the first person we think will say "Yes." and leave the others as reserve options.  Instead of calling another soccer parent, they call you, the person who just got off work, hasn't had dinner, is shot from not saying "no" at the office.  Yep, that would be you and I.  How did we get into this mess in the first place? 
     Believers are experts as guilt trips.  The world is even better!  Guilt is played like a good hand of poker.  The better the hand and the longer you have played the more able to transfer guilt to another when needed.  "Remember when I did ______ for you?"  "You have been such a good friend, won't you do this for me?"  The implications in both quotes is that if you don't say yes, your relationship will change and not for the positive.  This game that is played out in millions of situations by Christians every day is not found as a basic expectation of the Christian life.  It's really okay to say "no" and to let the chips fall where they may.  I remember a book that I read over 20 years ago.  The title was: "Do I have to give up me to be loved by you."  Wow!  That's exactly what guilt trips are intended to do.  If you don't give up yourself then I won't love you.  Can't you just feel the love?  This doesn't mean we don't do what we can when we can how we can and where we can.  We are part of the body and have a place that is intended to make the most of what we have to offer.  Again, no one has "walked all over" written in their job.
     I've been known to "drop everything" in order to help someone in need.  I've known many people who do the same.  The healthy person who does this isn't operating from a guilt position.  The person who is able to drop everything and be there is in that space because someone has been there in that capacity for them.  That's what the Christian and the church is supposed to be doing.  Neglecting this calling is disobedience to the mandate God has given for us to bring the Gospel to all the earth.  Remember that often actions speak louder than words.  Many times non-believers have come to me with their emergencies because they know I am a Christian and will do what I say I will do.  They subsequently have some level of belief and that is what should be the result.  Assessing other people's needs and putting forth your limitations is essential in maintaining balance in our lives.  Wants are never emergencies.  Needs can be.  It's your choice...it's always been your choice.