Relationship between haves, have-nots must be addressed

A businesswoman in Fort Scott told me about a welfare recipient who bragged he had been given an $8,000 tax refund -- yet he paid no taxes. An elementary school teacher's student missed a few days of class so that her family (who was on welfare) could go to Branson on their income tax refund. Not infrequently, dropouts show up at our school, pregnant and with babies in their arms, or they come by my room to let me hold their newborns and when I ask where they work, the answer is almost always the same: they don't. Now that they have children, the government hands them cards for free medical services and free food.

Please understand I am not opposed to welfare. I know it is necessary for many. I also know there are dozens in our community alone who would love to break the cycle of generational poverty and not depend on others' taxes to survive. This article is not about them. It is about those who abuse the system, those who are capable of working but choose not to.

So, what is the problem? Is it that the program is flawed and it is just too easy to qualify for benefits? Or, is it those who do legitimately qualify seem to spend the money received with no regulations? Or, is it that the program incentivizes people to make choices which perpetuate the dependence? Maybe it is a combination.

To solve the abuse, we must look at reasons a person makes the choice to depend on assistance rather than seek to provide for himself or herself. Again, there are options. It could be the person is just lazy and is looking for the easy way. Possibly it is because the person has been raised in a culture that suggests that you are a "chump" to work for something that you can get free. Or, maybe it's because some have discovered that they can actually receive more by not working. Once again, probably a combination.

In 2 Thessalonians 3, Paul boldly addresses the matter: In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat. We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.

Harsh words, I know, but I think Paul would say the same today to those who use the system.

I know that many will be offended by what they have read in this article, and I know that many will accuse me of being too simplistic or painting with too broad a brush.

Let me assure you it is not my intention to offend, but at the same time, our society may be at a crossroad.

If we do not develop a model for viably and compassionately addressing the relationship between the so called "haves" and "have-nots," we may find ourselves in a place where reasonable solutions are no longer available.