Ridgell's Originals

 There are a lot of needs in our world.  There are hungry people.  People that need medical attention.  That need shelter.  Child care costs money.  Transportation.  How about education costs.  

People need fnancial assistance. There are a lot of government programs designed and intended to help people.  People who may not have had the advantages some of us had in terms of education.  Or family upbringing.  Or economic status.  Or even race. 

Economic assistance costs money.  If it is provided by the government, my tax dollars pay for it.  So there are frequent calls for higher taxes to assist the less fortunate among us.  

Here is why I do not want the government getting any more of my money to use in assistance programs.

I am a Christian.

I want God to get the credit when someone is helped.  Not a government.  Not a political party.  In our culture, God will not get credit for governmental assistance.  Though I do think some recipients that are believers will give God thanks.  But when I use my money -- that God has given me -- to help others I am able to give God the credit for the gift.  As I should.  

I want to look people in the eye when I am able to help them. I want to know them so I can help with other needs.  Emotional needs. Or spiritual needs.  I want to give with intentionality so people I help may even ask why I am doing it.  And I am ready with my Jesus answer.

I believe Christians have a responsibility to help those of our faith community in need.  I want more of my resources to go into my spiritual family.  The less the government takes, the more I have to give. 

I think there is more to helping people than just money.  I can do other things if I know the people I am helping.  

More of my money can go directly to needs instead of overhead and expenses.  My money will not be administered by people or programs that stand in opposition to God.  And some government programs are.  

So that is why as a Christian I do not want my more of my money to go to the government.  

I also realize that all of this is dependant on my being a genuine follower of Jesus who uses my money to serve and help others.

People need help.

God will give me resources to use.

I will use them.  

For God's glory.  

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM