To drug test someone doesn't change the fact they're poor. Considering they are self-medicating, -And- generally lack funds to see a Doctor (Poor) they seem the prime candidates for welfare. Ironically it's them targeted for disqualification. And since when is it a crime to be poor? Why link them to such? They're down and out enough already
It's the sickly that need a physician, not the healthy says Jesus to the Pharisees. Mark 2:17, Matt 9:12,Luke 5:1
Yet we want to deny the poor, aka generally our sickest, access to a physician? The signs they are self medicating don't tell us
they need proper medical care?
As Saints, we are commanded to point them towards they Great Physician.
However the world sets up their welfare programs...some masquarading as entitlement programs (Indian Health Service, College, Extended Unemployment for 1 yr beyond what was paid in) we can't use that as justification to deny meeting others basic needs. Even if some are flawed. Until the church steps up, it's all we have.
Being a Saint is pretty much synonymous with caring for the poor. It's irritating that all these programs are being misused by some, but remember, not by all. Many College graduates actually get jobs, putting back into the system they dipped into. Some have good reason not to work (though you'd think volunteering would suffice) Urban Indian Health Centers often have multiple funding streams, including the opportunity to donate if you can. It's funded partly by the Indian Health Service. Another welfare program. Our family (except my wife) participates in this welfare program. Even my Dad whose extremely wealthy but to his credit, he also ensures he donates far more than he gets. He is Full Indian yet often lies and says he's not,despite looking just like one. Sometimes says he's half indian. Never accepted welfare before. and my Mothers Real Father is half indian.Joining a federal tribe also allows for more welfare benefits essentially, we dropped our first membership and are attempting to get on with another Tribe.
ALso... when our son was a toddler, he had surgery. Instead of the hospital taking $80 a month from a 22 yr old who had a family, they denied me. It needed to be $100 a month. Wife's in school. Panic set in...Um no, sorry. Thinking our credit would be ruined, never would own a home etc..The shame ended quickly, turning to an enormous feeling of blessing I'd never felt. We will write it off. she said. YOU mean, this was FREE?? Oh how I wanted to spread the cheer, but being so poor just able to work 1 day per wk (had employees also) and be a stay home dad, no way. We would be poor for a long time.
God gives a blessing to both sides. Giver and Receiver. Just because Receiver is blinded doesn't mean it's not there. Maybe it will take a while. Though scripture says it's more blessed to give than to receive, my experience is that it has been equally rewarding. And if a pre-requisite was put as a barrier to that blessing, I wouldn't have probably been worthy. Could pass a drug test but what if they chose some other kind of moral standard? I could have been denied.
Both situations God allowed me to give back more than I got. But if GOD chooses not to bless you with that ability (which is probably better considering it's the poor he seems to favor) you will probably be used in another blessed way. Maybe in Heaven wearing many crowns! Maybe leading others thru the Tribulation. Think of the joy in heaven when one sinner comes to repentance...he uses us caring for others basic needs, and spiritual needs, to lead them there.
To those that need it, go for it.
