When Christians Fail In Their Responsiblities

I continue to hear Christians complaining about the federal government of the United States offering food stamps, welfare, unemployment benefits and even disability payments to the citizens of this country who fall below the poverty line. For the life of me, I cannot fathom how they can justify to themselves the idea of allowing people to go hungry or go without the most basic needs of human life. Of course, the standard "party line" comment is, "if a man won't work, he shall not eat," completely taking the scripture written by Paul completely out of context. In the third chapter of 2 Thessalonians, Paul is discussing those in the church who "walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies." These men were able bodied, able to work, and work was available, yet they chose to not work and engage in meddling in other people's business.

Jesus told his disciples, in Matthew 26:11, "For you have the poor with you always." And in many places in the Gospels, Jesus commanded us to feed, clothe, house and look after the poor. What of the man who works but doesn't earn enough to support his family? Shall he, and they, go hungry? What of the man who cannot find work? Shall he and his family remain hungry because he doesn't work? No! In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us if someone asks us for something, we are to give it, if we have it. How else does God provide for those who are in need? Can He miraculously deliver food, clothing, water, housing to those in need? Yes! But, in most instances He chooses to use His people to provide for those in need. Why? Because it's not only a blessing to those who receive, it is a blessing to those who give! And it's our way to give to God. God doesn't need our money! He owns the entire universe! He can speak and create another universe the same way He created this one; so why would He need our measly money?

Much has been made lately about the political speeches about income equality. Sadly, most of the harshest commentary, and misrepesentation of the discussion is coming from Christians. There's no plan, or even talk, of taking away from the rich to give to the poor in the United States. Rather, there is talk of ensuring that those on the lower rungs of the economic ladder are provided with more ways to achieve the so-called 'American Dream.' In the land of plenty, a land that proclaims itself to be a 'Christian Nation,' it's not just a shame, it's a sin that there are children who go to bed at night with hunger pains so bad they cry themselves to sleep. It's a crime that people in this country cannot afford to go to the doctor when they, or their children, are sick. And as for the cries about socialism, we should all remember that the first recorded instance of socialism in history was that of the First Century Church. Yet, even then, there were those who cried about their people not receiving as large a share as others. And when a certain Stephen tried to explain how that program was Divinely inspired, he was stoned to death!

The more times have changed, the more they have stayed the same!