Government Subsidies             

“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” Matthew 25:35-36 NLT

Government subsidies are benefits provided to individuals, businesses, educational institutions, medical facilities, social and economic programs, food distribution to low-income people, and industries involved in agriculture, energy, and housing. Many countries across the world supply these government subsidies. They vary as to the needs of the country and the resources available. For example, China and the European Union provide subsidies in agriculture. Poland, Germany, and France grant fossil fuel subsidies. The United States provides subsidies in agriculture and manufacturing, along with other industries for the advancement of a sound economy and the overall prosperity of its people.

While many government subsidies are beneficial and the taxpayer’s money is well spent, many are not so beneficial, and many need to be streamlined or eliminated. One area needed to be streamlined are the government assistance programs for the poor. Overall, government subsidies given for the health and welfare of the poor and elderly are needed programs. It is the responsibility of the government to care for those who cannot care for themselves and to assist those to be able to care for themselves. There are non-profit organizations that receive government assistance for their programs to feed and care for the poor. My question is, should Christian organizations including churches willingly accept money from the government in caring for the poor?  

I have heard it said, and have repeated it many times myself that, ‘if Christians and the church were doing what we should be doing there would be no need for government assistance.’ Christians are to be the hands and feet of Jesus. No, we can’t feed the multitude with 5 loaves and 2 fishes, but we can give what we can and watch the Lord multiply it through others doing the same. The church has a deeper responsibility in caring for the poor than any government. Government assistance is given out of duty and obligation. Christian giving is given out of love for Jesus Christ and love for our neighbor. When we love God with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves the Lord will provide what is necessary to help the poor and hungry through us.

Again, if the church is being the church and Christian organizations are adhering to Biblical standards there should be no need to accept federal money. Going into partnership with the deep pockets of the government may seem logical but it is what is known as a ‘red herring.’ First, the government’s deep pockets are filled with money that is non-existent. Adding to the federal debt when we as Christians can help with this problem is irresponsible and showing lack of faith in our creator. Secondly, once any Christian organization, church, medical facility, or educational institution accepts money from the federal government they have lost full control of administering the gospel message with the services they provide.

Government subsidies have their place in our world today, but they have put a strain on federal budgets across the world. The Christian church can help relieve some of the burden by being the church, being the hands and feet of Jesus, and loving our neighbor as ourselves.  

“For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem.” (Ro.15:26 nlt)