Tax cuts enacted by the previous presidential administration are set to expire the end of this year. There is much discussion over whether to maintain, change or eliminate these cuts. As I looked at various articles on the subject a familiar theme surfaced that went something like this, “Let us have the cuts expire on the rich, but remain for the poor”. This theme also showed up during the healthcare debate and a series of bailouts.
In times like these, the rich and poor become political footballs that seem to be used to help others achieve their chosen agendas. When it comes to cutting government costs, people stereotype the poor as victims to help save their programs. When it comes to increasing government revenue, people stereotype the rich as villains to get their money, in order to help save or expand their programs.
Fanning the flames of division between the rich and poor is dangerous. There is no common sense reason to pursue this. Fostering division over income levels or positions in society opens the door for class warfare, pitting American against American.
Our country can rise above this growing division by running quickly in the opposite direction. The root of division is when people are out for their own self-preservation. The foundation for unity is when people serve others, putting the needs of their neighbors above their own. One of the two Greatest Commandments from the Bible communicates this saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).
As a nation, what if we sought to give rather then get and purposed to help rather than to have? I believe it would dramatically change our culture, put the political straw men arguments to bed and shatter inaccurate stereotypes.
The God who made you and me is an example of selfless giving. When God gave Jesus, His Son, to our world He demonstrated selfless giving so that we may receive His rich blessings. When we turn from our sin and place our faith in Jesus, God opens His doors of blessing.
There is no favoritism or partiality with God. Rich or poor, black or white, man or woman, known or unknown, all are alike to Him. God welcomes all. Everyone stands on level ground before Him. May you find hope today in whatever circumstances you face, by turning to Jesus and giving yourself away to others, no matter your position in life.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
HOPE FOR TODAY: Arizona Law - Beneath the Surface
Arizona Rancher Robert Krentz was making an attempt to help an illegal immigrant, who was trespassing on his sprawling ranch, when he was gunned down in cold blood in March this year. At the same time, being debated in the Arizona legislature was an illegal immigration bill that was eventually passed and signed into law on April 23, a month after Krentz was murdered.
The law has created an incredible firestorm across the country with a host of influential opponents and proponents making their opinions known and taking sides. On the surface, some have made it about elections, race, border security or state rights versus federal jurisdiction. Yet, beneath the surface it is about something else - people. It is about the growing list of victims, like Robert Krentz.
For years illegal immigration, especially along the Mexico-United States border, has been a problem. It is nothing new. However, something has changed in recent years providing greater urgency for politicians and regular citizens to speak up and take some risk.
Although most illegal immigrants are peaceful and hardworking there are significant numbers that pose a threat. Reports show how some illegal’s are guilty of a laundry list of crimes including police killings, drug trafficking, human trafficking, rape, kidnapping, auto theft, I.D. theft, many sexual crimes, many types of fraud, home invasions, assaults, and much more. According to some crime statistics, 27% of all federal prisoners are illegal immigrants and many have been arrested at least eight times.
No matter if someone is Democrat or Republican, Mexican citizen or United States citizen or even a legal or illegal immigrant – most reasoning people want the senseless killing to stop, kidnappings to end and others to live without fear in their own home.
When God sent His only Son from heaven to earth He was not concerned about poll numbers, fund raising or voting blocks. There was no sign of self-preservation in His decision. He laid it all on the line when Jesus was born into our world in the little town of Bethlehem. And why did He do it? Why did Jesus leave the glory of heaven and come to live with us? He did it for people, like you and me. Jesus didn’t come to create an organization, build an institution or establish a religion. He came for people. From heaven God looked down and saw the power of sin at work in our world and its destructive force. Out of love for you and me He took action. The Scripture says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). In the midst of this darkness, if people will just turn from their sin and believe in Him with all their heart they will find freedom, peace and a new hope in Christ. Indeed, may you find your hope in Him today.
The law has created an incredible firestorm across the country with a host of influential opponents and proponents making their opinions known and taking sides. On the surface, some have made it about elections, race, border security or state rights versus federal jurisdiction. Yet, beneath the surface it is about something else - people. It is about the growing list of victims, like Robert Krentz.
For years illegal immigration, especially along the Mexico-United States border, has been a problem. It is nothing new. However, something has changed in recent years providing greater urgency for politicians and regular citizens to speak up and take some risk.
Although most illegal immigrants are peaceful and hardworking there are significant numbers that pose a threat. Reports show how some illegal’s are guilty of a laundry list of crimes including police killings, drug trafficking, human trafficking, rape, kidnapping, auto theft, I.D. theft, many sexual crimes, many types of fraud, home invasions, assaults, and much more. According to some crime statistics, 27% of all federal prisoners are illegal immigrants and many have been arrested at least eight times.
No matter if someone is Democrat or Republican, Mexican citizen or United States citizen or even a legal or illegal immigrant – most reasoning people want the senseless killing to stop, kidnappings to end and others to live without fear in their own home.
When God sent His only Son from heaven to earth He was not concerned about poll numbers, fund raising or voting blocks. There was no sign of self-preservation in His decision. He laid it all on the line when Jesus was born into our world in the little town of Bethlehem. And why did He do it? Why did Jesus leave the glory of heaven and come to live with us? He did it for people, like you and me. Jesus didn’t come to create an organization, build an institution or establish a religion. He came for people. From heaven God looked down and saw the power of sin at work in our world and its destructive force. Out of love for you and me He took action. The Scripture says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). In the midst of this darkness, if people will just turn from their sin and believe in Him with all their heart they will find freedom, peace and a new hope in Christ. Indeed, may you find your hope in Him today.
Monday, July 12, 2010
HOPE FOR TODAY: The Oil Spill - A Lesson in Response
On April 20, an explosion on an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico killed 11 people, sent the entire structure to the seabed, while triggering a gushing oil spill that has leaked an unbelievable 85 million gallons at the lowest count.
BP, Halliburton, Deepwater Horizon, Mineral Management Service, EPA, House and Senate committees and the White House all made choices over the course of time which unknowingly laid the groundwork for this accident.
There were choices made and now there is a waterfall of response covering everything you can think of all going on simultaneously. No matter if it is an oil spill or something else there are five kinds of responses: Slow, quick, right, wrong or even worse - none. Sometimes the immediate, but always the long-term determines what was or what should have been the best response.
Through this oil spill, we have seen the importance of a wise and quick response when it comes to a high stakes situation. More valuable then saving Gulf Coast jobs and its ecosystem is the saving of your soul and mine. Jesus has come from heaven, split time in half and presented us with a choice that demands a response with high stakes consequences. You have an invisible immortal soul within you. Upon death, you will live on in eternity through that soul. Where will be your final destination – heaven or hell? The destination you end up is determined by how you responded to situations in this life. Have you chosen to live your way or Jesus’ way? Jesus once said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34). If you choose the way of Jesus, you choose heaven. What will it be for you? The stakes could not be higher. There must be a response. I urge you to respond wisely and quickly. Through Jesus may you find your hope for today.
BP, Halliburton, Deepwater Horizon, Mineral Management Service, EPA, House and Senate committees and the White House all made choices over the course of time which unknowingly laid the groundwork for this accident.
There were choices made and now there is a waterfall of response covering everything you can think of all going on simultaneously. No matter if it is an oil spill or something else there are five kinds of responses: Slow, quick, right, wrong or even worse - none. Sometimes the immediate, but always the long-term determines what was or what should have been the best response.
Through this oil spill, we have seen the importance of a wise and quick response when it comes to a high stakes situation. More valuable then saving Gulf Coast jobs and its ecosystem is the saving of your soul and mine. Jesus has come from heaven, split time in half and presented us with a choice that demands a response with high stakes consequences. You have an invisible immortal soul within you. Upon death, you will live on in eternity through that soul. Where will be your final destination – heaven or hell? The destination you end up is determined by how you responded to situations in this life. Have you chosen to live your way or Jesus’ way? Jesus once said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34). If you choose the way of Jesus, you choose heaven. What will it be for you? The stakes could not be higher. There must be a response. I urge you to respond wisely and quickly. Through Jesus may you find your hope for today.
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