By Faith the online magazine of the PCA recently published an article about health care, "Thinking Christianly About Health Care." It's a good article. As Christians we are to have a concern about others and that will often lead to a concern about their physical well-being.
Our own Bill Warren, of the Good Samaritan Health Center here in Atlanta, was interviewed for the article that described the work of the Center which provides health care to the needy in the Atlanta community. It is a great ministry that provides opportunities for Christians to serve. If you are in the Atlanta area, volunteer!
Russ Moore, the vice-president of Southern Seminary, also wrote a brief article related the recently passed bill. His main point: as Christians, we don't need to be afraid, regardless of what our government does or does not do. Politics is serious and important--but it is not ultimate.
As Christians we have a responsibility of being the best citizens. That means participating in the political process, letting our opinions be known, and respecting and praying for those leaders who have been placed over us.
We also have a responsibility to do good to all men and that means we should be thankful for ministries like the Good Samaritan Health Center which put Christians in the heart of the community, meeting needs for the glory of God. We should be thankful for ministries like Wears Valley Ranch, founded by MVBC's former pastor, Jim Wood, which serves kids in desperate need of care. These ministries refuse to separate spiritual from physical needs, and Christians would be wise to help ministries like this prosper.
As a church, we also have a responsibility to faithfully preach the gospel. It is the gospel that brings life and it is the gospel that fuels godly citizenship and philanthropy. History is full of examples of Christians who made a difference in the world because of their commitment to Christ, not in spite of it. Whether we are talking about the Christians who picked up abandoned infants in ancient Rome, the Christians in England who fought to end the slave trade, and the Christians who fought for abolition and civil rights. The Christian record on social issues is not a perfect one, but the fault does not lie at the feet of the Cross, but at the feet of Christians who have failed to live up to the faith they professed.
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