State's War on Poverty a Failure

In 2012 federal, state, and local governments spent $952 billion on over 126 programs to fight poverty. This amounts to $20,610 for every person living below the poverty level, or $61,830 per poor family of three. In spite of this spending, the poverty rate was at 15.1 percent and rising. Since the poverty threshold for a family of three is $18,530, this kind of spending should have wiped out poverty many times over, yet it has failed to do so. (Michael Tanner “The American Welfare State” in Policy Analysis April 11, 2012)

Why is our civil government’s war on poverty a failure? We could point to administrative failures and problems with various programs, but the heart of the problem is disobedience to God. The civil government has wrongly usurped the role of the family and church in its efforts to help the needy. God never intended for the state to care for the poor. Another problem is that the family and church have failed to provide for the needy in the way God has commanded. As long as we continue in disobedience, we will continue to squander wealth and fail to truly help the poor.

God has commissioned the family as the primary provider of welfare. The family is to care for its own. “If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Tim. 5:8) The family should not, however, care for the rebellious who defy authority and despise God. Family resources should not be used for the lazy and disobedient. “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” (2 Thess. 3:10) Sin should never be subsidized.

When the family cannot meet the needs of its own, the church should come to its aid. The first and best aid may not be financial. Training in biblical stewardship may be the best way to help a family, teaching them how to live in financial liberty. If, however, the family is practicing biblical stewardship and has fallen on hard times, an interest free loan may be in order. The last resort in helping the needy is a financial subsidy. If this is done, the church must be careful to give in such a way that does not promote dependency. The goal is to help people escape the bondage of debt or weather hard times, not enslave them.

The government model for helping the needy is similar to the care given by a zoo-keeper. When the animals start to whine in their hunger, the zoo-keeper tosses them a fish or some meat to silence their cries. The state does the same thing simply sending a check or food stamps to the whining citizen, never dealing with the root causes of poverty. The welfare-dependent slave then continues in his wicked and destructive lifestyle, subsidized by tax-payers. The church must deal differently with those who come to her door and ask for help.

When a stranger comes to the church, he should be referred to the deacons, who will interview him and try to find out his real needs. The deacons should be slow to toss him a fish, but instead should offer him an opportunity to escape his cage. If he is amenable to biblical discipleship, the deacons should formulate a plan to help him live a fruitful Christian life. This plan may involve helping him find work, establishing a budget, or teaching him biblical principles of marriage and family. The goal should be to teach him everything Jesus commanded (Mt.28:19-20).

Financial help should be given in a way that promotes responsibility rather than dependence. He should be required to stop stealing from his neighbors through government programs and to work so he can give to others in need (Eph.4:28). The help should continue as long as he is cooperative and makes progress. The deacons should not be surprised if He stumbles and falls, for the habits of slavery are not easily broken. If he falls but repents and vows new obedience, they should patiently continue helping him toward liberty in Christ. If, however, he refuses to work, continues to shack up, neglects corporate worship, or desires to live in rebellion, the church must not subsidize his sin.

As the welfare state collapses with its funding of sorrow and misery, may the family and church arise to strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

#poverty #welfare #charity #government