Christian Conservatives fear an Obama presidency with good reason. His government-coercion principles of 'wealth distribution' rob us of our ability to manage our own resources and remain responsible for what God has seen fit to bestow upon us. However, we must realize that right now, a total ban of government-funded social programs would not be fitting for modern culture. As we must have a dog trained to Come before we let it off the leash, we must train ourselves and educate others before we can remove the restraints of government-forced 'charity'. In this post, I would like to give recommendations for each of three financial categories in preparing our country for an eventual return to fiscal conservatism.
1. The Rich
Under the current system, you earn roughly 30% of the nation's income and pay roughly 60% of the nation's taxes. I have heard many complain about the disproportionate burden you bear, simply for trying to succeed. In extreme cases, you've deliberately avoided further success for fear of lowering your after-tax income, not just the percentage, but the income itself. I can't blame you for losing your spirit. Why work harder when you will be not only rewarded less, but downright punished? Still, this despair, this abandonment of effort, is a key part in a strategy among those who promote class hatred to bring you down. Without your balance and generosity, a post-socialist system will not work.
First off, remember that it is good for the human being to work. The Rich are often prone to mental and physical health problems that are less apt to afflict the workers, simply because of their lives of leisure. Granted, they are also safeguarded from problems that afflict those who work too hard with no leisure, especially without proper food and warmth, but they are not necessarily any more at their peak than the overworked. There is an increasing belief in this society that the right way to find happiness is to get a lot of money and pursue worldly pleasures for as long as you please. You, being a Christian, know better. If by your income you are self-sufficient, consider volunteering.
Secondly, you of all people must continue to manage your money effectively. Right now the government takes a large portion of it for government-coerced charity. When that changes, the people they help will still be there, as will those who suffer as they fall 'between the cracks'. Now's the time to be aware of where you can help those in need. Investigate charities and how they work. Choose your methods of charity. Remember that you will be reporting to God how you used the money available to you and why. The more released from the government's clutches, the more you will be accountable for.
Thirdly, remember to prosper. That sounds like a strange thing to say, doesn't it? Note that prospering is not the same as living a luxury lifestyle. The badly-termed "prosperity gospel" does not actually involve true prospering at all. Prospering, thriving, booming, growing... all involve increasing the wealth at your disposal, not just having a fancy car or lots of vacations. God prospers all the more those who give willingly and out of a cheerful heart, in part because the more you have, the more you are able to give.
Giving willingly is another thing that human beings were made to do and thrive by doing. It has measurable health benefits and brings happiness to the giver and the receiver. Of course, as a Christian, you know that even if there were no benefits God still wishes you to become a generous person. It's a wonderful thing, isn't it, that the way He wants you to be is the healthiest way for you to live?
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