Column by Bro. Terry Ivy
“…they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” (Hebrews 11:13) As Christians, we live in a unique place. We are citizens of two worlds. We have obligations and responsibilities in this life, from voting as members of a democracy to providing for our families. However, as citizens of heaven, we are called to pursue our Father’s plan for our life and reflect the character and truth of God to a skeptical world. Jesus calls us to live as the salt and light of the earth.
As earthly citizens, we see the chaos and rebellion of the nations, including our country. This generation has become a sideshow of ‘bless-me-babies’ and lazy social leeches—ignorantly espousing the failed policies of socialism as the fix-all for the ills of our country. We have multitudes who add no social benefit to society. However, they want to live off the backs of those who are responsible and working.
Our nation has become a nanny state, providing welfare pacifiers to the able-bodied, lazy, and ungrateful masses. Our government leaders have become professional enablers. That is, subsidizing the irrational and immoral behavior of those who want to be free of all accountability and responsibility. However, when men and women have the spiritual fortitude and courage to address the social elephant in the room, accusations from those freeloading off the backs of hardworking Americans move in like maggots on rotting meat. But, regardless of the hatred, we must continue to be a voice of reason and truth!
As citizens of heaven, we are called to express the tenderness and truth of Christ. This does not mean using God’s provisions to help those who have chosen rebellion and laziness as a lifestyle. Instead, it means that if a man will not work, neither should he eat. (2 Thess. 3:10) The first meal is on us. The second one comes by responding to God’s call to be responsible and accountable. We are called to make a real difference, and that comes by addressing the root issues with biblical honesty. A person doesn’t have to be a Christian in order to be responsible; they just have to care.
As Christians, we certainly understand the difference between helping those in genuine need versus subsidizing the able-bodied. The former should have all of the help and concern we can give. The later, for their own sense of worth and growth, should be put to work. These battles will continue to rise in thought and practice.
Our government continues to pile excessive debt upon the next generation. As they do, the bucket of responsibility is kicked down the road. Yes, we are strangers; but that doesn’t mean we should be idiots. Nothing is free—somebody has to pay the piper! The voice of god-fearing citizens must be heard. We must vote out the fools leading our nation and replace them with honest men of integrity. As long as we walk this earth, we will face the need to speak truth to power and clarity to man’s confusion. We are… strangers but NOT idiots.
