Think About it. My Brother’s Keeper. There are many, even among the clergy, who appear to hold the belief that it is the government’s responsibility to provide for the disadvantaged of the world. My position normally trends toward personal responsibility for myself while recognizing the need to share with the less privileged. I have heard these extremely well-educated persons say that it is the government which should provide for the needs of those in poverty and pain. Punctuation for this firm view is provided by the saying, “I am my brother’s keeper.”
My understanding of that biblical reference is that all individuals should share with others to the extent that they can or will. It seems to me that “the church” and its adherents often shirk their obligation when campaigning for the government to do the job of “keeping”. This in fact results in electing public officials who are willing to take the money from taxpayers to fulfill the assignments that we as individuals should accept for ourselves.
In my opinion we should help our family, friends and neighbors to have a healthier, more abundant life. We as individuals or groups of like-minded people should take actions to better mankind. However, we should not hire people to represent us in a government who will take money from less willing givers for distribution to people we or they choose, while ignoring causes others think important.
We’ll be looking at this important topic along with the role of government in our lives from time to time.
In the meantime, if you want to help the impoverished and unhealthy of the world, choose your favorites, do it yourself in your own way or gather some like-minded friends. I may join you, or choose my own needy. Please don’t steal from me so that you can be My Brother’s Keeper. Think About it.