Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Monday July 28, 2008

History has long been a favorite subject of mine, history of the world, the nation, family history and especially the history of those who proclaim themselves to be an enemy. My book with names etc will be published posthumously.

One of our American heroes, Ben Franklin, wrote:

"When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will be the end of the republic."

Franklin also believed the truth of another truth concerning a free people in a free land:

"No longer virtuous no longer free, is a maxim as true with regard to a private person as a commonwealth."”

As I recall the purpose leaders in a free society is not to provide hearth and sustenance from the cradle to the grave, but rather to assure that the opportunity to pursue such things is protected for the benefit of the industrious.

Our founding fathers had no concept of the indolent living as lords or even enjoying the fruits of the labors of others. They, as did Moses and other biblical writers, made a small provision in the codes of the harvest, called the gleaning of that which was left behind from the main harvest, to be available for the poor to harvest without molestation from the owners of the property. Thus, the truly poor could maintain self-respect by gaining a minimal living through the biblical mandate of earning a living by the sweat of their personal brow. The scripture is adamant that the laborer is worthy of his hire, while at no time implying that he that will not labor is worthy of another's hire.

Ben Franklin, in spite of a few flaws knew that virtue and industry/work are the bedrock of an enduring society.

I do not watch very much TV, my viewing of the one eyed monster is far below the national average. I do watch TV and read enough other media to know that our current presidential race is primarily being watched with bated breath to see which candidate will promise to give debauched and indolent Americans the biggest free slice of the pie.

Tragically, even the church has forgotten the difference between charity, (grace, unmerited favor, given without expectation of a return, to undeserving) and entitlement, meaning the world owes me a living.

I am thankful to be an American and therefore guaranteed life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Common sense dictates that life and liberty be used in a manner in pursuing happiness that is beneficial to all concerned.

Jesus Christ instructed His church to care for the homeless, to feed the hungry, but this was to be accomplished on an individual basis in accordance with the true need, the most outstanding example being that of feeding widows who were the truly disenfranchised group in that era.

Lest you think me uncaring, may I interject a statement from the eminent Christian/American, Noah Webster on the subject at hand:

"The Bible must be considered as the great source of all the truth by which men are to be guided in government as well as in all social transactions."

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2008 Use with credit.

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