In the USA, right now, there is incredible tension over taxes and how much government should be involved in our day-to-day lives; what freedoms are truly inalienable rights, etc. Some of them seem really important to me, and others I frankly feel need to take a sideline for now, but when it comes to taxes and government aid programs, I’m conflicted. I don’t want to see any of my brothers and sisters on this earth hurting for food and medical care, and other needs. I also sympathize with people who earn a good living and have to write giant checks to Uncle Sam, not sure exactly where that money is going.
My feeling is that the government wouldn’t need as much money for these programs if the church made a more concentrated effort to do these things ourselves. And by the church, I mean individuals like me. Church buildings don’t write checks. People do, by giving to the cause, and when we try to live above our means, and want other people to solve our problems, we can’t whine about it when “what goes around comes around” finally comes around and bites us where the sun don’t shine.
Social support is Biblical. Looking out for Numero Uno is not.
You can look at it from the standpoint of common sense: the need is there and will be supported one way or another: by me or by the government who is paid by me.
You can also look at it the way we should look at it: if Jesus were here on the earth in the flesh, he would be giving with astounding generosity, so that’s the way I’m going to do it too.
I am still conflicted, but I’m also determined to do my part to ensure that the church is known for astounding generosity in creating equality between abundance and need. I want to give as much as I can, whenever I can. It may not be much, but I know it will have a lasting impact on the World.
