Giving to those in need or feeding my own desires?

I was in Euston Station preparing to catch a train, and then I had an urge for a Chai Latte – probably the most tasty hot drink I know of. I did find myself swaying on the shores of uncertainty, see-sawing between “should I buy it or not”, specifically “is it worth the few £’s or not”? Often before I would not have thought much about it, and would have easily gone to buy it, in my mind my one selfish indulgence for the day… However thinking it through, I realised I take many liberties during the day, many self-gratifying indulgences, without thinking about it.

I was contrasting this experience with another one a few weeks back where I was a homeless man on the street. He stopped me and asked me for some money – I did engage with him, as I felt something on my heart that I needed to. So I followed him down the street so I could buy him the food – unfortunately the shop he wanted to go into was closed. So I faced the dilemma of “do I give this man money even though I can clearly see he is drunk”. Remembering a pastor’s sermon where he said that for some of us (me), we withhold money from the poor as we feel they will misuse it – he said that this in itself is a misuse of our money. He also pulled something out of Proverbs (I believe) which said that “he who gives to the poor, lends to the Lord”, and given that the Lord’s interest rates are ridiculous, that is always a good investment. So I decided to buy the man a drink (non-alcholic!) and give him some change so he could get himself some food – whether or not he bought it was his responsibility.

So back to the train station… I ended resolving that I should spend less money (and time!) on my little (but many) indulgences, and give more to those who need it... Ultimately knowing that my spirit & soul is much more satisfied when I am obedient to the Lord and bless those around me, than rather when I seek only to satisfy myself. So no coffee on the train…