Wouldn't it be great if the government didn't have to set up charitable organizations, if there was no government assistance programs?  They wouldn't be necessary if we would just help each other out in times of need. 

I think that this is what Jesus had in mind in the sermon on the mountain, when he told his followers to be salt and light in the world.  He also spoke of doing these things without thought of reward or recompense.  We should just do it because it's the right thing to do. 

I believe this message transcends Christianity.  It should just be something we do because we are all part of the human race.  It shouldn't be something that we are mandated to do or taxed to do, we should just do it.  I know it is a pipe dream to think that we would ever get rid of our government programs and just take care of each other, but I can dream can't I?  Jesus didn't think it was too tall of an order and neither do I.

Matthew 5:13-16:
    ¹³"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

    ¹⁴"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Passage Matthew 6:1-4:
    ¹"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

    ²"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. ³But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Kathy Triccoli  - Go Light Your World

Tags: go, jesus, christian, charity, atheist, agnostic, buddhist, wiccan, pagan, jewish, muslim, help the needy

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