Self Preservation vs Good Deed

[transientlife]

This is just a question that keeps nagging at the back of my mind.

Everyone passes hitchhikers at some point, right? Every time I pass one, I feel a pang of guilt that I did not stop and help that person or pick them up. But growing up, I was strictly warned against doing such a thing because it could be dangerous, the person could hurt me or even kill me. But I think, now what are the odds of that happening, really?
Then I think back to the story about Jesus being the poor man and seeing how the unknowning others treated him. I think, what if that is Jesus in that man right there, walking the shoulder, thumb extended, hoping for a ride? Maybe not Jesus in a literal sense, but in a sense nonetheless, that perhaps it is a test of our faith? Shouldn't we be more inclined to stop and help that person, as a testament to our faith, rather than pass them by and not give it a second thought? Is self preservation and caution more important when it comes to a situation like that, or is it a better testament that we put ourselves in that unknowing state to help a perfect stranger out?

Just wanted some opinions

 

[startinover]

That's a good question. In this case, a difference will need to be made between "following one's gust instinct" and being "uncaring".
This means it depends on what the intent behind the action is; if it's just avoiding the hassle, then it's not ok...like passing by the hitchhiker without looking at them or assessing their situation. Cause it's too easy to say "I'm never ever going to help a stranger, the world is dangerous"...you you still have to keep your eyes open to your fellow men, and alert authorities when you can't provide alone.

But you must always listen to your guts instincts as it's God given. Not doing it could qualify as a sin.

 

[flicka]

That's a good question. In this case, a difference will need to be made between "following one's gust instinct" and being "uncaring".
This means it depends on what the intent behind the action is; if it's just avoiding the hassle, then it's not ok...like passing by the hitchhiker without looking at them or assessing their situation. Cause it's too easy to say "I'm never ever going to help a stranger, the world is dangerous"...you you still have to keep your eyes open to your fellow men, and alert authorities when you can't provide alone.

But you must always listen to your guts instincts as it's God given. Not doing it could qualify as a sin.

I disagree. I think 'avoiding the hassle' is the way to go...is hitchhicking even legal? Most people doing it are not down and out, they are kids looking for a free ride. If they seriously are down and out then they might have issues causing them to be that way (emotional, physical, addictions, etc) and you can't accurately asses the situation just by a quick peek as your driving by. Ask any police officer what to do and he will say to keep driving!

 

[Emmy]

This is a hard question.But considering the times we are living in,I would say you have to use your common sense and ask the Lord for guidance.That is what I would do.Greetings Emmy.

 

[transientlife]

Most times when I pass by such hitchhikers, usually in the back of my mind I do an informal type "I hope someone stops to help them, or they get to where they are going safely" prayer. It eases the guilt somewhat, but the question still nags.

 

[jingwei]

If I do get a car in the future, I will overcome my fear of dangers these people might poccess and take them for the ride.
However, I do not think I can take a poor homeless hobo to my house and welcome him, simply because times have changed. Today's homeless are mostly bad people who became poor because of their lazyness and badness. These people ARE willling to do horribles things to live on, and there is a good chance a hobo you invited without your supervision will steal many things, maybe even rob you.
When I grow up, I'll invite a homeless person to my apartment/house for meals and rest, but I'm not willing to let them stay overnight.

 

[transientlife]

I wouldn't say most are homeless because of their 'badness', but most are homeless due to loss of a job, often coupled with alcoholism or some other addiction or even an untreated mental illness...and that's not badness, just plain bad luck and human weakness for the most part. Laziness I won't contest to, because I'm sure there are some out there not motivated enough to get a job.

Way back when the hobo's would be passing through my hometown, my family would give them food and a place to rest. But that was the old old days and you don't see that anymore.

 

[Miss Shelby]

Today's homeless are mostly bad people who became poor because of their lazyness and badness.

I am not sure that this is true. Many are mentally ill. Many are addicted to drugs an alcohol which is also an illness. What these people are missing in their lives is love.

There is a homeless shelter in my town where the stereotypical attitude of the place is that it is filled with deadbeats. However, I was blessed enough recently to meet a man who was the director of this facility for two years. He is a recovering alcoholic. What he says happens in that place is nothing short of miraculous, because people find love and support and hope, and they do change. We shouldn't be too quick to stereotype the homeless. Even if their prediciment was brought on by their own actions, sometimes all they need is a break.

Michelle

 

[Miss Shelby]

As to the OP, I really do not think that I would pick up a hitchhiker, simply because I usually have my kids with me and I wouldn't take even a small chance of placing them in danger. And as has been pointed out, hitchhiking is illegal, at least where I live it is. Unless the hitchhiker had a small child with them, or it appeared that they were stranded due to a broken down car or something.

Michelle

 

[transientlife]

I am not sure that this is true. Many are mentally ill. Many are addicted to drugs an alcohol which is also an illness. What these people are missing in their lives is love.

There is a homeless shelter in my town where the stereotypical attitude of the place is that it is filled with deadbeats. However, I was blessed enough recently to meet a man who was the director of this facility for two years. He is a recovering alcoholic. What he says happens in that place is nothing short of miraculous, because people find love and support and hope, and they do change. We shouldn't be too quick to stereotype the homeless. Even if their prediciment was brought on by their own actions, sometimes all they need is a break.

Michelle

 

[mpshiel]

I usually pick up hitchhikers if at all possible. Since I just graduated I have always been a student with a car that is worth about $50 so I have no fear there. I tend to only pick up when I am going on a long haul because nothing is more annoying than "Jump in, I'm going two blocks."

When I was with my Dad, I convinced him to pick up a hitchhiker and it turned out it was a marathon runner who was going to see a doctor and was in training for a major race. Another time I took some guy who was a major competitor in local Kickboxing. I don't pick up drunks after a bad experience where one guy got mad at me and kept trying to throw all my stuff out the window (but he was so drunk he couldn't tell it was closed - so it just kept falling to the floor). Xmas day is another good time to pick up hitchhikers as usually they are people who are just desperate to get to see someone.

I do often feel that God has said things will work out, so I trust him (but I still don't pick up obvious nutters), and for the most part things work out okay. I wish, in a lot of ways I could help more and haven't offered my floor to homeless men because I worry a little bit about bringing someone into that close a personal space. So I guess I really don't have much faith, blah!

 

[PK Philosopher]

To me, the real question is whats the natural, instinctive thing to do? Self-Preservation or a Good Deed?

Of course the answer that seems obvious is Self-Preservation...but what about this example?...
Say a mother has to choose between saving their own life or the life of their child...
Obviously this is a harder decision and there are many variable that could change the decision...but in this case, the good deed is Pro-Creation...
Pro-Creation is still just a good deed, unless the life you are saving is an extension of your own...in which case it would really be a choice between Self-Preservation and Self-Preservation...

anyways i got off topic a little but my point is that Self-Preservation is the natural choice and a Good Deed is the virtuous choice...both can be rationalized and both are acceptable

 

[feral]

Today's homeless are mostly bad people who became poor because of their lazyness and badness.

When I was homeless at age 19, it was simply because I was in the hospital for a month, lost my apartment due to lack of money for rent (wasn't working that month) and had no where to turn. I don't know if adrenal disorders count as laziness and badness...let me know.

 

[The Bellman]

It seems to me that this matter - and allied matters, such as taking in a homeless person - is a no-brainer. Jesus was very clear. As the OP said, what if it was Jesus standing there? As far as the possibility of danger - Jesus also said that if someone takes your shirt, give them your cloak as well. He also said that we are not to worry about material possessions at all. I would think that given this, the answers are simple - always pick up hitchhikers, always offer the homeless a hand, even if you think they might well steal from you.

Of course, that's just what Jesus said.