I said in this column last week that I would speak of benevolence, especially considering how a Christian
should react to an illegal alien. As I said last week, Jesus refused to get tied up in the politics of the day.
People that followed His commands certainly allowed His teachings to affect their political views. He
was clear that we should take care, as much as possible, of people in need.
Church on the Bluff has always been a giving, caring church. However, morally challenged, dishonest,
and scheming people have sought to deceive us (all churches, really). We have to be careful in our
generosity. For instance, we do not give cash to anyone. If they need food, we point them to the Green
Springs Ministry. On rare occasions we have taken them to the Pig and paid for some necessities. We
have paid for an apartment rental but we called the apartment complex and asked if the folks were in
sudden need or did they use churches to pay their rent on a regular basis. We have paid an electricity
bill to prevent the service from being cut off. Again, we call the power company to make sure the
details are correct.
You may not believe the scams we have learned to recognize. One, the “prescription scam”, is easy to
identify. Someone comes in and asks for money to get a prescription filled for their baby/child. Simply
tell them that you will go with them and pay for the prescription. If they say no, it’s because they either
do not have a legal prescription or they are using that prescription at several churches (if they agree, we
do it). The “gas money for an out of state emergency” is popular. But again, the willingness to meet
them at a gas station and pay for the gas usually puts them off. There are many more, and the
inventiveness of a deceitful mind never ceases to amaze me.
But, what about someone who is in this country illegally? How do we navigate those waters? Here is
how we do it: we never ask anyone if they are here illegally. We ask them if they have a need. Food?
Water? Clothing? If they need it and we are able, we help them. Their legal status is a governmental
concern…and we are not the government.
Please don’t get me wrong; I am totally against illegal immigration. If a person breaks the law by
entering our country without authorization, he or she should be sent back to their home country. It is
the law of the land (and yes…a needed law). I would encourage anyone who is here illegally to “self
deport” before you are caught and make your return easier. Then, go through the proper channels to
enter and you will be welcomed with open arms.
Christian, breaking the law puts you at odds with the government. I believe Jesus went out of His way to
make sure He didn’t do that.
Say good things about your Savior.
should react to an illegal alien. As I said last week, Jesus refused to get tied up in the politics of the day.
People that followed His commands certainly allowed His teachings to affect their political views. He
was clear that we should take care, as much as possible, of people in need.
Church on the Bluff has always been a giving, caring church. However, morally challenged, dishonest,
and scheming people have sought to deceive us (all churches, really). We have to be careful in our
generosity. For instance, we do not give cash to anyone. If they need food, we point them to the Green
Springs Ministry. On rare occasions we have taken them to the Pig and paid for some necessities. We
have paid for an apartment rental but we called the apartment complex and asked if the folks were in
sudden need or did they use churches to pay their rent on a regular basis. We have paid an electricity
bill to prevent the service from being cut off. Again, we call the power company to make sure the
details are correct.
You may not believe the scams we have learned to recognize. One, the “prescription scam”, is easy to
identify. Someone comes in and asks for money to get a prescription filled for their baby/child. Simply
tell them that you will go with them and pay for the prescription. If they say no, it’s because they either
do not have a legal prescription or they are using that prescription at several churches (if they agree, we
do it). The “gas money for an out of state emergency” is popular. But again, the willingness to meet
them at a gas station and pay for the gas usually puts them off. There are many more, and the
inventiveness of a deceitful mind never ceases to amaze me.
But, what about someone who is in this country illegally? How do we navigate those waters? Here is
how we do it: we never ask anyone if they are here illegally. We ask them if they have a need. Food?
Water? Clothing? If they need it and we are able, we help them. Their legal status is a governmental
concern…and we are not the government.
Please don’t get me wrong; I am totally against illegal immigration. If a person breaks the law by
entering our country without authorization, he or she should be sent back to their home country. It is
the law of the land (and yes…a needed law). I would encourage anyone who is here illegally to “self
deport” before you are caught and make your return easier. Then, go through the proper channels to
enter and you will be welcomed with open arms.
Christian, breaking the law puts you at odds with the government. I believe Jesus went out of His way to
make sure He didn’t do that.
Say good things about your Savior.