There is something to be said for wisdom that comes from above in guiding our decisions; if anything simply trusting the Word of God on certain things like guidance on money ( Proverbs 10:2 on "ill gotten gains"; Proverbs 20:21 warns of a quickly received inheritance that is spent rapidly and or unwisely reminding us of the story of the son who squandered his inheritance in Luke 15.)
Similar things can be said for other basic issues in life such as behaviors that enhance or disrupt marriages and other family relations; as well as the general counsel not to trust in themselves. Proverbs 3:5-6 warns us about not leaning on our own understanding.
The difficulty comes in the seemingly mundane actions that the saved and unsaved perform every day. At least we USED to assume a standard indicative of verses like 2 Thessalonians 3:10 which interestingly enough was apparently repeated by Lenin (an avid atheist) but for some odd reason is missing from the far left today. Go figure. When we look at work; assuming that we are not a total criminal for a living (not to be the case as much today in society); we can certainly see how those who are highly skilled; making a "name for themselves" in the world as well as very rich can be much more likely to be caught up in their own accomplishments and status. What would be considered a disaster for them (i.e. having to do manual labor because of mental decline or their company folding) would be to many a cause of rejoicing who are struggling to survive. Such perspective of individuals inevitably squews (however you spell it) our viewpoint. Our natural affections are self centered as well as many of our personal dislikes. The Spirit must be renewing the inner man daily and those who are saved have access to this sanctification. There is ALWAYS contention between the Spirit and the flesh; it may lie dormant but sin is always present as long as we are in these mortal bodies ( Romans 7:24).
Interesting-from 2 Thess. 3:10 it says: "if a man does not work he shall not eat."
I just heard the other day that in our state, (WA) someone on welfare with all the "bennies" equals a salary of $120,000. That is really outrageous for people who do not work, many of whom can. I for one do not wish for people to live in squalor, but this amount is far above the medium income in our state. No wonder so many do not go to work when there are so many jobs out there. They make far more on welfare than they could if they worked a 40 hour week. But those who do work and who have worked all their adult life until retirement, this is a slap in the face. We pay for these people to have a better income than most of us.
So, while the rich could certainly enlist some reforms in their lives, those on welfare could and should do the same and make their own money to care for their needs when they can. Those of us who are middle class, whether upper, middle, or lower, we are being taken advantage of and we can not really afford all of these taxes, But we, too, need some reform in our lives.
But all of this reform needs to come from God, NOT from the government. the government always screws up whatever they endeavor to do that the private sector can do or has done better. For those who are truly down and out, unable to help pick themselves back up from poverty, or recover from drug/alcohol addiction, or have mental health of physical disabilities that prevent them from working, God's people should certainly help them and the charities that service these people.
There is something to be said for wisdom that comes from above in guiding our decisions; if anything simply trusting the Word of God on certain things like guidance on money ( Proverbs 10:2 on "ill gotten gains"; Proverbs 20:21 warns of a quickly received inheritance that is spent rapidly and or unwisely reminding us of the story of the son who squandered his inheritance in Luke 15.)
Similar things can be said for other basic issues in life such as behaviors that enhance or disrupt marriages and other family relations; as well as the general counsel not to trust in themselves. Proverbs 3:5-6 warns us about not leaning on our own understanding.
The difficulty comes in the seemingly mundane actions that the saved and unsaved perform every day. At least we USED to assume a standard indicative of verses like 2 Thessalonians 3:10 which interestingly enough was apparently repeated by Lenin (an avid atheist) but for some odd reason is missing from the far left today. Go figure. When we look at work; assuming that we are not a total criminal for a living (not to be the case as much today in society); we can certainly see how those who are highly skilled; making a "name for themselves" in the world as well as very rich can be much more likely to be caught up in their own accomplishments and status. What would be considered a disaster for them (i.e. having to do manual labor because of mental decline or their company folding) would be to many a cause of rejoicing who are struggling to survive. Such perspective of individuals inevitably squews (however you spell it) our viewpoint. Our natural affections are self centered as well as many of our personal dislikes. The Spirit must be renewing the inner man daily and those who are saved have access to this sanctification. There is ALWAYS contention between the Spirit and the flesh; it may lie dormant but sin is always present as long as we are in these mortal bodies ( Romans 7:24).
Interesting-from 2 Thess. 3:10 it says: "if a man does not work he shall not eat."
I just heard the other day that in our state, (WA) someone on welfare with all the "bennies" equals a salary of $120,000. That is really outrageous for people who do not work, many of whom can. I for one do not wish for people to live in squalor, but this amount is far above the medium income in our state. No wonder so many do not go to work when there are so many jobs out there. They make far more on welfare than they could if they worked a 40 hour week. But those who do work and who have worked all their adult life until retirement, this is a slap in the face. We pay for these people to have a better income than most of us.
So, while the rich could certainly enlist some reforms in their lives, those on welfare could and should do the same and make their own money to care for their needs when they can. Those of us who are middle class, whether upper, middle, or lower, we are being taken advantage of and we can not really afford all of these taxes, But we, too, need some reform in our lives.
But all of this reform needs to come from God, NOT from the government. the government always screws up whatever they endeavor to do that the private sector can do or has done better. For those who are truly down and out, unable to help pick themselves back up from poverty, or recover from drug/alcohol addiction, or have mental health of physical disabilities that prevent them from working, God's people should certainly help them and the charities that service these people.
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