spread the wealth around

I have to admit I am a few days behind with my reaction to this comment. I heard the "Joe the Plumber" incident yesterday on the news, and when I heard Obama's comment I was angry and sad at the same time. I am not a political expert but even I can see the flawed thinking in this one.

First off it is NOT the governments responsibility to "spread the wealth around". It is the governments responsibility to collect taxes to run the government and provide infrastructure, protection and other services needed to make this country run. While I do believe the government has some social responsibility to help those truly in need, I don't think that includes spreading the wealth around. The government , in my opinion, needs to remember that they are stewards of the taxpayers money, not owners. They have a responsibility to spend it judiciously. On a side note, look up the word Politic some time see what it means, and where we get the word Politics.

Politic - 1. shrewd or prudent in practical matters; tactful; diplomatic.

I have promised in the blog for it not to be about me, but about God and how we see Him, hear from Him and how to live for His glory, not ours. So here is how I was sad by Obama's statement. I think we as Christians need to be doing more to help out those in need.

This is the part where I start to rant.

We are so caught up in big! Big houses, Big churches, Big cars. We have no margin in our lives to give anything away. We are mortgaged to the hilt, but we are comfortable. We are building BIG churches and calling it success and prosperity. Churches today carry a lot of debt, believe it or not. If we added up all of the interest (just interest) of all of the Church Debt across this country do you know how much that could help those truly in need?

It is just not about "The Church", it is us for failing to give.

Our inability to give because of our lack of margin, or our greediness, leaves our churches short. We all should be prepared to give what God asks, 10%, and we should also be prepared to give even more. I go back to the previous paragraph and ask the same question, sort of. If everyone gave 10% to the church where they are a member, how much debt would the church have? My guess is probably none.

We as Americans, and as Christians have an opportunity to impact The United States and the world in a BIG way. By giving. We need to support our local churches better, and be ready to give our lives away. I love this quote from Kenny Luck in his book "Risk" - "Obedience is the evidence that convinces the world that we are indeed grateful".

The government is not the solution, we are.

Show the world today that you are truly grateful for everything God has given to you, and pass it along. Remember we are only stewards, not owners.

top 5

I recently watched the movie "Hi Fidelity" with John Cusack. Good flick from the perspective of story. The main character is trapped and doomed it seems with questions from his past. As the title infers it is about his past relationships and his present failed relationship. Anyway, throughout the movie he breaks into a top 5 list. Top 5 breakups, Top 5 track 1's on albums etc.. What a great idea, especially for music.

For those that know me, know that I love music. For me to name my top 5 songs would be impossible. But this idea of compartmentalizing the top 5 lists, I can have the freedom to include all of my favorites.

This is the interactive portion of this program!

I want those who are interested to comment with their top 5 list as well. I will start off with a few easy ones.

Top 5 - Title Tracks from an Album

1. Aja ; Steely Dan - Aja
2. Tricycle ; Flim and the BBs - Tricycle
3. London Calling ; The Clash - London Calling
4. Viva la Vida ; Coldplay - Viva la Vida
5. Who are You ; The Who - Who are You

Enjoy! And I hope to hear from you, even if it isn't a list of 5, do what you can.

I think next week I will do Top 5 self titled albums. Or, top 5 covers that were better than the original.

Stay Tuned!