You would think that already affluent Christians would rejoice when human government was attempting to reach out to everyone with health care. You would think that even though it is in the natural, those who live in the supernatural would be happy that people who have no healthcare would now be able to get it. You would think that even though it may cost believers some of their tax money they would still see an attempt to reach the poor as an agreeable thing. You would think that even though believers may have some issues with the affordable healthcare act, they would never complain openly before a lost and dying world. You would think that when so much tax money was spent on the weapons of war that followers of Jesus would see it as a good thing when some of it was being used to heal. You would think that since God has been so generous to us that we could never seem to be so petty as to refuse a morsel to others who do not have as much as do we. You would think that even though believers know that only Jesus can save a soul, that humanitarian efforts, even when imperfect and politically motivated, are better than doing nothing.
You would think that, wouldn’t you, but you would be very wrong.
I think it would depend it you believe the health care benefits being offered are those desired.
ReplyDeleteYes Rick, you are right, however, the vast majority of people don't actually think - they "feel", and they really only feel the overwhelming pulse of their own perverse desires. The modern 'christian' looks only for the convenient and self serving 'hand of God', not the radiant and eternal face of Jesus.
ReplyDeleteThe christian reaction to the present's administration's healthcare plan was shocking to me. I couldn't understand; couldn't see why a christian would deny a doctor's care, or a life-saving operation, or an emergency room treatment to those who have no insurance.
ReplyDeleteAnd the reactions weren't just ordinary reactions between a group of retired men meeting at the local McDonald's for breakfast, every morning, as they discuss politics, taxes and the good old days. The reactions were angry and aggressive. They fiercely opposed the Plan.
If a dictator in a third world country decided to provide clean water by digging water wells for every resident in every village, how would the christian missionaries react? They'd be praising God at church on Sunday. They'd be raising holy hands to Jesus, thanking Him for such an opportunity. They'd be praying for the 'dictator' leader and asking the Lord to bless him. And if these missionaries found out they might have to pay more in taxes so residents could enjoy clean water, would they complain?
One depressing thing in this area that seems to beset evangelicals in this area particularly in the US, though it is evident in the rest of the West (I'm from the UK), is that they like to apply those parts of the Old Testament Law for Israel such as moral law principles, and wish those to be law. But we often squirm away from those parts of the same law that instructed Israel to collectively care for the poor, the stranger etc, and attempt to rationalise them away. Such attempts are truly heartbreaking to see, now to be clear, I think we are in this world but not part of it, citizens of Christ's Kingdom, called out of our nation, that as Paul refers to each church not as the Corinthian church say, but the church of God in Corinth so there is is no American or British church, there is the church of God in the world, so in America, so in Britain etc.
ReplyDeleteBut this aside, if some brethren disagree and wish to see the moral principles in Israel's law guide a nation, then they cannot pick the principles they like, and attempt to twist the rest that command national caring for the poor like it isn't there. That isn't being honest or truthful.
A good piece on this is here:
http://www.beretta-online.com/wordpress/2012/some-very-short-thoughts-about-evangelicalism-and-welfare/#more-3524
Researching specifically the number of evangelical Christians that voted in the 2012 election, at best was 6 million for Obama and 25 million for Romney... These numbers derived from polls, phone and exiting I believe. What is interesting is those in leadership over media outlets, those who voted Republican, have yet to back track looking at these numbers and openly wonder why 25 million prayers were not answered by placing their man in the White House(?) Many are saying with Obamas victory our country continues toward Gods judgement and that for some odd reason they are not speaking up as to "why" their prayers and faithful followers prayers were not answered. This is a critical scenario which very well maybe the reason why the Lord is having a hard time reviving our hearts as a nation. Even worse, as Christian leaders bang their digital pulpits demanding we get this country back on a path with God by reinstating Him in public schools and other government institutions they pushed hard to elect an "anti-Christian" to put in the highest office in the land. Do you See? Do you Hear?!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, Politics, especially that which believers see as financially beneficial, has blinded the church. The system has always been corrupt and counter to the kingdom of God.
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