All Things Necessary

“but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42)  

When we see problems, troubles, difficulty, hardship, inequity and disparity, we naturally want to bring resolution and relief. In tragedy and situations calling for assistance and benevolence we should help and assist as we have opportunity. However, wisdom calls for understanding in our relationship with others and particularly third parties. 

First, we must consider in humility the medical professionals oath that says, “Do no harm”. Our good intentions will fail assisting others when we ignore our limitations and God’s providence. An illustration of this is when we attempt to compel others to do that which we can not or should not. If our government leaders attempt to ease every hardship we will be subject to tyranny worse than any hardship. I believe the founders expected legislators to pass only laws that are absolutely necessary and do no harm. Liberty requires struggle and difficulty even to keep it. Many reject wisdom and seek their own self promotion resulting in laws that do great harm. Government is not our parent, nor a guarantor that we will not face hardship, inequity, difficulty, or any of the means by which God disciplines and teaches us. 

Another example pertaining to third-party’s is gossip, speaking to someone about another. Paul likens gossip and slander with murder and every kind of wickedness. (Rom. 1:29-31) “A gossip separates close friends.” (Prov. 16:28) Government must be subjected and limited to God and His wisdom. We all, particularly legislators, should considered whether our good acts actually do harm, by indirectly restraining liberty and responsibility of many to “help” a few. A Supreme Court Justice said recently there are 30,000 Federal laws. That same Court outlawed the posting of the Ten Commandments in public schools and buildings, which is hypocrisy and foolish, in that all law must have a moral foundation.  

Much, if not all, of the benevolence done through government is really the responsibility of individual neighbors and Churches. This is God’s design, but politician’s have exceeded Government’s ability and purpose established in the Constitution. We need a revival of God’s purposes, His ways and means. Repentance, turning from our wickedness and seeking God’s will, help and grace, individually and collectively. This is the one essential thing – seeking Yeshua with all our mind, heart, soul, and strength, then our other acts, service, deeds, gifts and relationships have a proper foundation for virtue.