Last week I sat with a good book and a large salad looking forward to some quiet time during my lunch hour. It was not to be. A group of men were seated at the table next to me having a vigorous discussion which interferred with my solitude. In a act of defeat, I closed my book and eavesdropped on their conversation while munching my salad.
Two of the group were discussing Obama's healthcare plan and the discourse revealed they had opposing views. One gentleman maintained that it was the moral obligation of the government to provide charitable outreach to those who could not afford the essentials in life - including health care. The other gentleman argued that charity should be a private affair - an unselfish act of the individual based on the ability and moral compass of each person.
What really raised my concern was the parting shot from the man who believed in government charity. "Even Jesus said that we must love our fellow man." This statement ended the discourse as the opposition had no apparent argument. The men finished their meal and left, but for me the argument continued.
I found that parting statement a ruse on the same order of the racist rhetoric of the past week. The chain of thought that has permeated the press is - if you disagree with our President and our President is black, then you are a racist. On that same tack - if you do not support government sponsored entitlement programs, you are not a Christian.
Now, let us look at what Jesus really said. "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27
Now, my argument - these two requirements are indivisible - you love God first; then your neighbor. If Jesus charged these two commandments together, then one commandment must support the other.
So I ask you, does Washington love God with all their hearts, souls and strength? If not, then let us show the love of our neighbors through those who do.
