When someone looks to rely upon people who need to be needed,  they end up doing everything for the other person and almost getting energy from the other person's helplessness.

Genesis 47:1-31

Reference:  v.23  Joseph said to the people, "Now that I have bought you and your land today for Pharaoh, here is seed for you so you can plant the ground." (NIV Bible)

Explore:  It is often nice to feel needed.  When someone relies on you it can often bring a sense of responsibility and fulfillment as you help someone through a time of need.  There are some people, however, who take this to the extreme.  When someone looks to rely upon them they end up doing everything for them and almost getting energy from the other person's helplessness.  These are people who need to be needed.  On the otherhand, there are people who take the responsibility of caring for another seriously but work hard in helping that person stand back on their own two feet.

Application:   Joseph was certainly in the latter category.  The responsibility of helping the people through a famine was huge.  And yet, even when they had sold everything they had to Pharaoh - through Joseph - he was still able to empower them and equip them to help themselves. 
The way we deal with other people can either empower them or keep them in a rut of neediness.  While it is sometimes nice to be needed, if we really want to help the other person then we need to direct them onto a road of self-accomplishment.  God has given every person gifts and abilities that they can exercise and it's a blessing to them and to God if we are able to empower others to use those gifts.

Prayer:  Lord, it is great when a community works together to build each other up.  As we do so, help us to empower each other to all use our gifts for your glory.  Amen.

How has someone empowered you?