The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
We have a serious humanitarian issue taking place on our southern border. It is a complex issue that cannot be ignored. Children en mass are illegally immigrating to America. They are coming (or being sent) here with the belief that they will receive amnesty thus creating a very dangerous situation.
It is dangerous for the children: Currently, there is a heightened awareness of the problem of human trafficking. The desire to come to this land of freedom and opportunity is understandable. But children are making a journey that very possibly may lead them to a life of slavery.
It is dangerous for America: We MUST decide to be serious about our national sovereignty if we hope to preserve our country. We MUST accept the fact that if illegal immigrants, crossing the border in a sincere quest for a better life, can cross our borders – so too, can terrorists, drug dealers, gang members, and those looking for a ‘free ride,’ can as well. Make no mistake about it, this WILL inevitably destroy our country.
At issue is the ‘fundamental transformation’ of America. Evidently, it did not need to be fundamentally transformed if millions are flocking here. Though we have not been a perfect nation, we must have something desirable for so many to want to be here. OR, we have something so desirable that it invokes envy and hatred in the hearts of those who want to destroy us. We are the wealthiest nation on the planet. We have always been a generous and compassionate people. The plaque inscribed with the quote by Emma Lazarus and mounted on the Statue of Liberty, is a testimony to America’s concern for the plight of the poor and downtrodden.
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”
However, we should not confuse governmental recklessness and irresponsibility with care and compassion.
2 Corinthians 8:3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. As Christians, our ‘job’ is to ‘feed the sheep.’ John 21:17
As citizens our job is to provide for and protect our homes and families – to live responsibly. As elected officials their job (a solemn responsibility that they have sworn an oath to) is to protect and defend our country and its Constitution. As well, it is their job to solemn responsibly manage the social and economic affairs of this country. As compassionate caring people, we would like to be able to help everyone in need. However, in this world there is ever-increasing needs to be met. America simply cannot come to the rescue of the entire world. It is arrogant (and wrong) for politicians to assume that we can.
2 Corinthians 8:12-13 12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. 13 Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. Though I may not be as wealthy as some, I am still better off than others. Still, I struggle with the ever-increasing cost of living. It would be nice to be able to donate to every worthy cause and help everyone in need. But I know I can’t. I rely on the Holy Spirit to guide me – and even then I still feel a twinge of heartache that I cannot do more. I have a responsibility to provide for my family and care for my household.
1 Timothy 5:8 But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.
Unlike citizens managing their own households, Washington politicians are managing the operation of the nation. Taxes are to be used to pay for the associated ‘operating costs’ involved. These costs involve everything from defense to infrastructure, repayment of debts, as well as the administrative costs that go along with these things. These are some pretty hefty financial responsibilities. Taxes are not paid into a governmental, Robin Hood, steal-from-the-rich (and not so rich) program.
Christians and human beings in general, when moved with compassion give according to our means, and if we choose, sometimes more. Politicians, personally and individually, are free to decide for themselves how much and to whom they give. They should not be showing compassion at the expense of the safety of the citizenry, AND with the resources of others.
