Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

"For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.'"¹

Isn't It Ironic? According to an article I read, "The food stamp program is pleased to be distributing the greatest amount of food stamps ever. Meanwhile, the Park Service asks us to 'please do not feed the animals' because the animals may grow dependent, and not learn to take care of themselves."

I couldn't verify the validity of this statement; regardless, it is a fitting parable. With the way today's government is handing out free welfare to so many irresponsible people is of great concern. True, we need to help those who want to help themselves but, because of the economy or a physical handicap, simply cannot find or are unable to work. On the other hand, as the Bible teaches, it is imperative that we do not help people who are "unwilling to work."

The reality is if we feed animals in the wild, they can easily grow dependent on our handouts and neglect to take care of themselves. In so doing we help destroy them. It's the same with people. And tragically, we know very well that all those who don't want to work and know that they can get free handouts from the government will always vote to keep that handout government in power.

So it is imperative that you and I, the voters, keep the government responsible and elect only those politicians who have proven by their past record to be responsible. It's not what they say that counts, but what they have done. The best proof as to what they will do in the future is to look at what they have done in the past.

Furthermore, you and I need to be responsible in howâ€"and for whomâ€"we vote knowing that a critical vote will soon be here in the U.S.A. Know all that you need to know about the ones you vote for, and exactly what they stand for based on what they have done in the past.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that at least here in the U.S.A. we have the privilege to choose and vote for the leaders whom we feel will be the most responsible and the most trusted. Please help me to be responsible in the way that, and for whom, I vote. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NIV).

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