Linda Campbell, with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram(my hometown paper), has just posted an article titled “Would Jesus mandate sonograms but cut pre-K?” She blast Christian legislators for doing un-Christians acts. If you haven’t already guessed it, I think you know what I’m talking about. That’s right, these lawmakers are cutting health and education programs to help cover Texas’ $15-27 billion shortfall.

In the editorial, she uses scripture to try and prove Christian legislators are being hypocritical in there actions. But what she actually does is distort the Lord’s teaching to a point, that if Christians followed her reasoning, the entire Bible and purpose of Jesus would be flipped upside down. She tells the reader that in order for Christians to follow in Jesus’ teachings, we must fund childrens education and other programs through secular governmental entities. Otherwise, we won’t really love children like Jesus does.

However, the Bible does not say or even imply that Christians love should be displayed or honored through governmental entities. Our love for children and the people of this world is done through Jesus, not government.

There are also comparisons that don’t even make any sense.

For instance, she compares the amount of money the government is willing to fund children’s education to Matthew 19:14. This is where Jesus teaches the disciples that children are within the covenant to go to heaven(under Judaism this covenant started at 13), that we should have an unabashed childlike approach to God, and that Jesus loves children.  I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt that she just meant that Jesus loved children and so should we, but as I explained above our definitions are polar opposites.

One thing is for sure, Christians should not use this editorial to get mad or upset but make it into a teachable moment. One reason this budget shortfall has been so “scary” is because people don’t see anyone stepping up to the plate to take care of those that will be affected by the budget cuts. It is time for Christians to step up and serve the Lord by not only taking care of these people but start telling others that they will! Remember it’s a reflection on how well we take care of God’s people when people look toward the government and not toward Jesus.

This is just a small sample of a much larger piece that I could have been written about this bizarre editorial but I will stop here. Since I know that I left a lot out and there is more to be said, I would like to here from you on this matter to see what you think.