Welfare Reform - by Greg Gwin

There's lots of talk in the news about reforming our welfare system. It's clear that some dramatic changes need to be made. It is our hope that our legislators will include these godly principles as they consider this important matter:1) Provide nothing for those who refuse to work. "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:10). We realize that there are some who cannot work due to physical handicaps, etc. But for those who are able yet refuse to work, God's will is that they receive no help from others.2) Re-establish the 'work ethic' - show that work is an honorable thing. "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth" (Ephesians 4:28). We've seen enough of the "something-for-nothing" attitude. It is "good" to work. It allows us to help ourselves and gives us the ability to help others who are deserving of our assistance.3) Teach people to take care of their own. "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel" (I Timothy 5:8). There are too many in our society who will not accept the responsibility of providing for their own family members. There are men who father children, but will not support them. There are parents who have more and more children without any hope of being able to supply their needs. There is an expectation that the government "owes" everyone something. People need to be taught that they have the primary responsibility of caring for their own.All of the terrible problems of our welfare system can be solved if we simply trust God's wisdom.