One recurring theme I picked up in today’s reading was that of industriousness.

There is much value in hard work and applying one’s self to supporting himself and his or her family. Sitting around wishing and hoping for wealth or even life’s necessities usually reaps little reward, and often leads to ruin.

Yes, Jesus said that if the Father cares for the sparrows he certainly cares more for us, and that if we seek Him first, the necessities will be provided to us. But God gave most of us the ability to earn our way in one way or another. And for those who are unable to do so because of real and extreme circumstances, God expects families and churches to step in to help.

The idea that the government should provide for able bodied people is not a biblical principle. This is something that has been a recent invention in human history, and one that rarely helps the individual or society. A person who can work, should work.
What do you think? Leave a comment below.