A letter to Voices from a writer extolled the virtue of high taxes on the more prosperous citizens. The best that can be said is that she couldn’t see the forest for the trees in reference to giving to help the poor and needy.  She was confused, as are so many, with thinking that people should pay taxes to help others since the Bible says to help those in need. Indeed, it does say that, but it isn’t addressing the issue about government. Conversely, it is addressing Christians, telling them to use their means to help others.

Paul wrote in Galatians 6:10: As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. The proponents for the government helping people need to explain how this verse is directed at the government to take income and redistribute it. By the same token, the same people need to explain I Timothy 6:17-18: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Much to the chagrin of the liberals, the left, the jealous, the and the greedy, there isn’t any sin in being rich, understanding that rich is having or [abounding in] an abundance. It is related to the word much. Distribute means to readily impart [give] and communicate means to be sociable. That fits with the word highminded. The message of the Bible is for those with means to aid those in need and it is up to each individual to do so as they are able. That they might not in all instances doesn’t make it the duty of the government to force the distribution.

Additionally, Paul wrote in I Corinthians 16:2: Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.  The principle truth in that verse is that each individual is to give to the needy according to how much each one has been prospered. The giving instructions of the scriptures to the Christians are the means by which they are to show faith in Christ.

The lady who wrote the letter stated that her family was of the means that they could afford to pay the higher taxes to help others. That is the point where the trees blocked her view of the forest. A significant amount of the tax take goes to sustain the workers in the bureaucracy that handle the welfare funds. Why is it good business to give to a third party when the funds can be given to the needy directly, thus eliminating the government worker? Whatever percentage goes to the welfare recipients, can be given to the individuals. The giver then could keep the bureaucrats share. Furthermore, the writer never gave any thought to the fact that the welfare schemes created by the government are unconstitutional, not to mention the created dependency on the government. The trees have blocked her view of reality, the forest. 

When the nation was founded, the people were self-sufficient; they provided for their own living through work; and had the desire to be independent of the government. When people needed help, it was provided on a private, personal level by individuals, charities and churches. It was unthinkable for them to try to get the government to come to anyone’s aid except as provided by constitutional government.   

How the thinking has changed in this day and age. The first thing that people want is for the government to tax the “rich” to provide the help. Admittedly, that keeps those with more from having to come in contact with the needy. However, that isn’t God’s message. The writer needs to stop dwelling on the trees (government) and see herself as part of the great forest God uses to provide for others.

© 02-21-2008 DEC