Homelessness is not always due to economic displacement or unfortunate circumstances. Homelessness can be due to bad choices. Being homeless can be a self induced crisis. It can be caused by neglect, rebellion or over dependence.
Negligent behaviors such as drinking, drugging and putting pleasure before principles can cause homelessness. Principles help keep our priorities in perspective. Putting first things first is what we need to do. If we get high or drunk with rent money or we are trying to impress someone by spending the rent money, we are making bad choices.
Pride can cause a person to become rebellious. Pride can keep a person from paying the rent to a landlord or to a family member. A person might say to himself, “I would rather be homeless than give up my money.” After committing to this jester, stubbornness is what can keep a person riding the rough wave of homelessness. This is a bad choice.
Being overly dependent on the head of a household can be hazardous to the individual. If the support you are counting on is lost due to death, differences or relocation it can be devastating to the dependent person. Then this individual needs to make the choice to sink or swim. To be responsible or not to be responsible. This is a choice that needs to be made.
There are some people who choose to be homeless for experimental reasons. Maybe just to say, “I’ve been homeless.” Maybe they just want to see what it is like to live on the street. That is a choice.
Sometimes we choose irrational, irresponsible or illogical lifestyles seeking immediate gratification. Priorities become distorted. We can easily lose perspective about basic needs. We deceive ourselves, become delusional and put basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing on the back burner. The illusion that we can do without basic needs burns off quickly and reality sets in. Suddenly people find themselves hungry, cold and naked.
The reality is, we had a choice. We made a bad decision. Where we are today is a result of a decision we made yesterday. If you make your bed hard, you are the one who has to sleep in it.
In Deuteronomy 30:19 we read, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life that both thou and thy seed may live.”