I was really upset — I mean really, really upset — to learn that the so-called “health care” bill had passed.  This is more because the American people overwhelmingly didn’t want it (even those I know who are in favor of national “health care” did not want this bill) and our “representatives” passed it anyway.  That they would so blatantly disregard our wishes really, really angers me.  But I do happen to also be opposed to the concept of socialized medical care in general.  I believe that its very foundations are in opposition to Biblical principles.

Perceived Health Care Needs & Biblical Solutions

There are two sides to the perceived need for this sort of medical care plan.  (I really have a hard time with calling any medical insurance a “health care” plan.  They generally cover little-to-nothing by way of preventive care, so they’re really sickness plans.)  First is our perceived need to have our own care covered.  That is, we believe we have needs that this will address.  Second is the perceived need to ensure that others who are needy are taken care of.  I believe the Bible addresses both of these points, and God’s solution is not the government, on either count.

The Biblical Purpose of Civil Government

God did institute government.  But the purpose of civil government is to maintain law — that is, to punish evildoers and to protect us from infringement upon our persons or property by others (either others within our society, or an attack from an outside nation).

That’s it.

The role of government is not to educate, or to provide jobs, or to offer child care, or even to make sure we eat.  It is to protect us from each other and/or outsiders.

Medical Care is Not a Legitimate Function of Government

It is not within the realm of appropriate governmental authority to provide medical care.  For us as believers to expect this demonstrates a grievous departure from the Biblical worldview.  The Bible makes it very, very clear which Source we are to look to for the meeting of our needs.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33)

God is the one who is to meet our needs.  But that’s not all.  God communicated great displeasure at Israel’s depending on a human government to fill this role.

“‘Woe to the rebellious children,’ says the LORD…’who walk to go down to Egypt, and have not asked My advice, to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!  Therefore the strength of Pharaoh shall be your shame, and trust in the shadow of Egypt shall be your humiliation.'” (Is. 30:1-3)

“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!” (Is. 31:1)

The second side of the medical care issue is one that can readily be made to be super-spiritual, because it’s centered in concern for others.  This is the question of caring for those who are needy.  As the Church, this is our problem, too!  Biblically, who is supposed to take care of the needy?  Not the civil government.  God’s people!

“For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.” (Deut. 15:11)

Even in the planting of their crops, the Israelites were to leave some for the poor to come and glean and eat.

“And you shall not glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather every grape of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger: I am the LORD your God.” (Lev. 19:10)

“…the seventh year you shall let [the land] rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat…” (Ex. 23:11)

If God’s people are to feed the poor and clothe the poor (as seen elsewhere), I think it’s not a stretch to believe it’s also our responsibility to make sure any other needs of the poor are met.

Government Health Care is Built on Theft

So if we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing — trusting in God for provision and meeting the needs of those around us — we should not need the government to play nursemaid to us.  But when they do, as with this “health care” bill, it is done by way of theft.

The very principle on which anything taxpayer-funded like this, intended to “equalize” the population, is designed to work, is taking money from certain individuals (generally, some of our hardest workers) by compulsion, and giving it instead to others of the population (which includes those who have simply fallen on hard times, but will also generally include those who are just plain lazy — what motivation is there to work if you don’t have to?).

There’s a big difference between my deciding to give $100 of my own money to help Joe Schmoe because I see he has a need, and someone else taking $100 out of my pocket and giving it Joe Schmoe, because he thinks it’s a good idea.  (For one thing, there just is not the same accountability when it’s a huge government program and not a person-to-person thing.  Chances are, I can tell whether Joe is having a tough time of it, or whether he’s a lazy bum who would rather take a handout than work.  The government cannot say the same.)

Please renew your mind to God’s Word.  As a people, let’s get back to trusting God and taking responsibility for our own lives.  And please, please, please, come November, fire your so-called representatives if they betrayed you by voting for this bill.