What Does the Health Bill mean for Christians? (Part #2)

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Mar 25, 2010 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

As the debate over health care continues to ravel, unravel and ravel again, there are still great concerns among Christians  as to how God’s people should respond to a governmental health care system. I tried to outline some brief thoughts a couple days ago regarding the initial reactions to this health care bill and all the responses I received were very encouraging and inspiring.  (Click here to read Part #1) Before I dive into part #2, allow me to thank all those who have responded and let you know your words are very encouraging.

One of the many issues Christians are having with this new health care legislation is a result of the government interfering in the lives of ordinary citizens. Well, I hate to break it to you but our freedom found in this country is governed by laws. Yes, freedom is governed by laws and without laws in place there would not be any freedom. Sounds weird doesn’t it. Freedom without laws would be anarchy and I am sure none of us would like anarchy in our country.

Take a moment and consider that the government “interferes” in our lives all the time: speed limits, seatbelt laws, laws for just about everything. The government has made laws throughout time requiring certain actions be taken for the benefit of you, your family and those you come in contact with.

I know this health care bill will effect the lives of many people. From the language I have seen, this health care bill would cost our country billions, if not trillions of dollars when our country is digging a deeper financial hole than ever before. The debt accumulated over the past 18 months (yes, even through Obama and Bush) is stomach grinding. Maybe it is time we begin preaching the power of stewardship of the blessings of God than the riches of men? (Just a thought)

With the financial concern of this bill comes the budgets of business and individuals during a difficult economic time in our society. I am not a prophet but I do imagine these financial problems will have an effect on our congregational budgets. Whether those are good and bad has yet to be seen, but the time will come I am just no sure when.

This bill may offer the chance for many individuals in the Lord’s church to finally have insurance when many times for them it is totally unaffordable.

There is so much in this bill that it will be hard to grasp, imagine and even figure it out even after the legislation is passed and the final measures are beginning. For now, the lawsuits are raging, the fights are being escalated and the worries are growing.

Another area of great disagreement, concern and worry over the health care bill in the mind of Christians is the status of abortion funding through the legislation. As I write this, a few hours ago, President Obama signed legislation preventing the federal funding of abortion. While I am pleased with his decision, I am appalled that abortion is still allowed in our country. Why the God of heaven allows that to happen is above and far beyond my line of thinking? But I know He has a plan and I need to be faithful to follow Him. This does not negate the action on our part to seek to rid the world of this sin. Abortion is simply the murder of an innocent life. The thought of calling a functioning child a “fetus” should be banned from every textbook and publication. When we do not call a child a child, it is no wonder we are callused to the thought of abortion anymore.

I would also ask you to consider the Israelite nation when they wanted a king. God was their ruler and guide, but they decided to they would much rather have a mortal man ruling them than the Almighty. You see, God was not a tangible being and a king would be in a tangible position.  Aren’t we just the same? Our Presidents are tangible beings. We see them on the television, hear their voices on the radio and even get to shake their hand in public. While God may seem hidden to many because of His heavenly residence, His handiwork is clearly seen. (Psalm 19.1) Yet, the evidence surrounds us as it surrounded the Israelites nation, our focus becomes earthly just as theirs.

Do you want to change the world?

Changing the world will not begin in a brick and mortar structure called the Whitehouse or the capital? Changing the world will not be the result of some man-made bill. It will not begin in the House or the Senate or even in the Supreme Court; it will happen when you and I do several things:

1. We practice what we believe!
2. We pray instead of mumble and grumble!
3. We share Christ and not a political agenda!
4. We support those who are spiritually and physically weak? (So many examples that can be listed)
5. We teach our children the power of God and the path to heaven through His Son.
6. We actively pursue the lost of the world. (A telephone book ad is passive, let us hit the streets, teach in the homes and be active!)

Ok, enough political/religious rambling out of me, go change the world!

Just some thoughts for today,

Chris