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I ran across this photo today and I found it rather insensitive. First because I think it is an unfair and untrue stereotype, but secondly, because I found it on the facebook of a fellow follower of Christ.

First in relation to the cartoon, is this really the perception Christians have of the poor and struggling? That those who are in need of assistance are lazy? I understand that in some cases this may be true. But in our nation it is becoming increasingly prevalent that individuals with college educations and beyond, struggle to find employment or make a decent living. So to characterize anyone who is financially struggling as lazy is unfair to say the least.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand where the person who posted this cartoon is coming from and their hesitance to the idea of wealth redistribution and a socialist society. For the most part I agree the ideal should be less government and more freedom for the private sector. However, this practice is only beneficial if the private sector is responsible. So what does a responsible private sector look like?

Less than a hundred years ago Henry Ford understood that it made no sense for his corporation to be successful if the people that worked for him could not afford to buy his product. So although Mr. Ford may have “deserved” higher pay, he was content with what made while still paying his workers a wage that allowed them to make a comfortable living.

Does this attitude still exist in business today? I will let you be the judge of that but I found this interesting fact. In 1978, CEO’s earned 35 times more than workers. In 2005, the average CEO made 262 times as much as the average worker, and that was 3 years ago. There are some numbers that place this number in upwards of double that. In terms of dollar differences, the average CEO made $10.9 million last year, while the average worker earned $41,861. Yet who receives the blame for this unfair distribution of wealth? Those who have most likely never been given the opportunity to earn a decent income let alone be the root cause of the financial issues of our nation.

Which brings me back to the topic of wealth redistribution. Why would the government take from the rich to give to the poor? Simple, a broken system in which individuals who have been trusted with large amounts of resources have used it not to empower and encourage, but rather, oppresses and take advantage of for selfish gain. The opportunity is there, the government only intervenes when there is no other option. Bottom line is this, we have shifted from a society of greater good to a society of individual good.

Now at this point you may be saying, “well thats society, that isn’t Christians.” But the Church is not exempt. In fact, a recent study showed the average amount tithed in churches among members and regular attenders is around 2-3% of each persons income. Even in the Church. Less about others, more about the individual. 

So what is answer? I would argue a start is some accountability and a refocus on the greater good. God has an amazing plan for our lives if we are willing to surrender everything to Him. How can we say we trust Jesus with our eternity if we can’t trust Him here today with our money? As Christians we cannot look at our wealth as ours, but rather, we must view everything we have as God’s. Not, 10% EVERYTHING, ALL HIS. I believe God can use every situation to bring glory to His Name and as Christians we have a chance to be a bright light into the world we live in. However, it cannot be accomplished if we do not understand that God blesses so that we may bless.

I hope this starts some conversations and stirs some thoughts in all of you.

Live Peace,

Mario