Socialism and the Gospel

So I heard about this professor that took the average test grades of the whole class and assigned it to everyone. So on the first exam the whole class got a B. The ones who studied hard were upset, the loafers were delighted. So the next exam, the ones who usually worked hard saw no point in making the effort, the loafers did even less. Everyone got a D. The total productivity of the class declined sharply as the professor took from the hardest workers and gave it to those who didn't work at all. But at least everyone was equal -- the playing field was leveled -- and everyone failed.

Socialism never has, and never will work. It only makes us equal in our suffering, and never provides the opportunity for "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

But Christians should not get discouraged. The Gospel of Christ is suited for times like these. It transcends the cultural, political, and economic lines of a civilization. Everyone, the workers and the loafers, will eventually give an account before God for their sinful nature. In hard times, which socialism will surely produce, the Gospel becomes more attractive to people of every race, status, and gender.

I certainly oppose socialism -- where the talented are punished for excelling -- but it provides us with an opportunity to see that government does not have the answer to man's deepest woes; GOD DOES.

Through Christ we can come to the One that made us and loves us more than our government ever could.

Remember Our Roots

This nation, though many want to deny it, was founded on Judeo-Christian principles. Not all of our founders believed in Christ, but they believed in God and the Bible. They believed in smaller, less intrusive government; reasonable taxation, but only after the people approved; and every person's right to worship as they chose. 

Sure, some of them had slaves. But they wrote into the Constitution that importation of slavery would end in 20 years -- thus, killing the perpetual slave trade, and eventually slavery altogether. 

I'm a descendant of a slave. That's right. The first Deaton in America, spelled Deighton, came to Virginia as an endentured servant -- a slave -- from England. His life was not his own. He had to work at any job he was given without complaining; could be abused and whipped; and had no will of his own. He was not captured and taken from his home, like African slaves, but slavery in any form is ungodly and disgusting. At least our founders made a way for that travesty to end.

Today, people want to forget the heritage that laid the foundation for this great nation. We can lose it all in a generation. The WWII generation is almost gone and aren't left to help us fight this tyranny. The rest of us need to wake up; speak up; and rise up in defense of our founding principles.

More importantly, on this 4th of July weekend, we need to intercede for this nation -- perhaps God will teach us a harsh lesson from this experience and then restore our greatness. Our most important "roots" are those that are in Christ. After all, He is the vine (roots on up) -- we are merely the branches.