From my vantage point, much of the craziness in our country that’s driving us to the edge of destruction is our tendency to do things our way rather than God’s way.
Many “social programs” are caught up in this debacle. (No, I’m not “against” social programs. I personally know many folks who have poured themselves into helping people through these programs. And I was grateful for food stamps when I was going to school and working five part-time jobs to support my family in the ‘70s.)
But to my knowledge, God never said the government should take care of the people. God instructed the people to take care of the people. In the end, Jesus does not say, “I was hungry, naked and imprisoned, and the government took care of my needs.”
Unfortunately, we’re so tapped out by our government mis-spending our money, we don’t have much left to do what we’re called to do. I can’t help but wonder how our society might be healthier if we actually took care of our own–within our own families and communities. With a more personal approach, we would know if someone actually needed help, or if they were simply refusing to take responsibility for their lives.
(Can we agree we see both of these scenarios being played out in the “system”? We can all think of some who actually need help, and we can also think of some who truly are conning the system.)
If at all possible, I believe everyone needs to give something back in exchange for what they receive. Not because we need to get something back, but because we all need to give something back. Even if all we have to offer is gratitude. Or a helping hand to another person.
When I read some of the comments that are lobbed – or spiked – back and forth about these issues, it seems that many of the skirmishes seem to be triggered when one person exaggerates his point in order to dismiss another’s opposing point. In many cases, it’s not “either/or.” It’s “both/and.”
It’s like choosing up sides on the playground. It’s childish behavior.
And it’s throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
The baby is God’s instruction that we take care of those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Let’s be sensible about what needs to happen with the bathwater.
And let’s look for an opportunity today to personally make a difference in the life of someone who needs a bit of “social” encouragement – with whatever we have may have to offer…in Jesus’ name.
Rod & Rose 