Hope and Change

We've already heard a lot about hope and change in this presidential race. How one candidate can improve America and our lives better than the other. One candidate talks about how decreasing taxes and government involvement will solve all America's ills. The other talks about how the government needs to increase taxes on businesses and the rich to level the playing field for all Americans. I am not here to tell you which side is closer to the correct answer or who to vote for this November. However, I believe that God is the only one who can offer us the blueprint for the hope and change we so deeply desire.

We are taught to be honest in our dealings or “not have two differing measures in our house” (Deuteronomy 25:13-16). When an Israelite was freeing a servant, the owner was to “supply him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. Give to him as the Lord your God has blessed you.” (Deuteronomy 15:13-15). In short, we are to “maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed” (Psalm 82:3) and be a “refuge for the needy” (Isiah 25:4).

I would hate for us to think that this is just an Old Testament thing, so here are a few example from the New Testament. In Galatians 2:10, we are reminded to remember the poor and to be eager to do so. In Acts 6:1-6 we are told of the selection of the seven to help ensure that widows were not overlooked when food was being distributed. In Matthew 12:31 we are told to “love your neighbor as yourself”...there doesn't seem to be an exception to exclude the poor here.

Regardless of your political affiliation, we can serve as God's agents of hope and change for the poor. Job found that wealth can be given, lost, and given again...wealth does not define our relationship with God and should not define our relationships with people. Jesus warned us that “a man's life does not consist of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). So, let's treat all people fairly and be the agents of hope and change that God desires us to be.