Truth Month - July 2024
Day 29 - Work is good and the norm for all people
Work is good! While sometimes people experience hard times and need help, they should not be provided a comfortable hammock. The assistance they get should not incentivize them to stop looking for work and to be comfortable enough to coast through life on handouts. In fact, that is actually very harmful in the long run. A permanent welfare state actually does not help them up and out of their situations.
Charity without expectations often begins a descending life spiral. It has been said that "A hand up beats a handout." While there are real exceptions where someone is no longer able to work, or when working would be a detriment to themselves or their families, the general rule should be that work is good and is expected. This has been known for a long time, as the generous early church shows
For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 2 Thes. 3:10-12
Now obviously that is not meant to be mean or unfair, but rather acknowledges that work is actually for the good of all. So why is it hard for our progressive society to have the same expectation? Surely it is not that some people find it politically advantageous to perpetuate the welfare state?! Or is it in service to a radical view of equity and social justice? So far, it seems like it is currently a growth industry.
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