One of the most outstanding lessons the New Testament advances is that of the Christian’s striving toward becoming like Christ. (1st Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 4:13) This implies imitating Jesus’ example in every aspect of daily living. Among those virtues that are to be found in his perfect character are perseverance, boldness, fearlessness, constancy and absolute confidence in the Father. The opposite of these traits are denounced by the Bible for their lack of virtue and enfeebling tendencies: fear, indifference, double-mindedness, trust in man and in the flesh and wavering. The latter are the materials needed to become what we shall denominate a Christian Welfarist, or, better still, a Secular Dependent.
The Difference between the Two
1. The Christian whose model is Jesus learns to trudge forward irrespective of the impediments placed by the devil and his secular minions (meaning sinners). God is the strength behind the individual action. The attitude is one of ultimate independence from man and sin.
2. The Dependent cannot and will not advance in godly virtue because his steps are ordered by the very system meant to impede advancement. This may sound contradictory, however, the world is expert at giving the appearance of success whilst leading unto destruction. (Matthew 16:26)
How is it then that Christians can be fooled into becoming welfarists, contrary to Christ’s character? An examination of a few NT narratives are in order. Firstly, let us consider what occurred to the church after its inception and how Christians responded. In Acts chapter 4, Luke narrates that Peter and John were persecuted for their sharing the Gospel. After they were freed, they returned to their companions in the faith and reported all that had occurred to them. Instead of being fearful, the church asked God for boldness to continue to living and preaching the Gospel. Note the Christ-like character in action: boldness, perseverance, indifference to the opinions and threats of men and trust in God.
Now, immediately proceeding this narrative, Luke recalls the sentiment which ran rampant through the church – that of having all things in common. Please note that this was not a idea mandated by God nor commanded by the apostles. This gave rise to those who desired vainglory like Ananias and Sapphira and ethnic disputes like those recorded in Acts 6, when certain Jews were being ignored in the “daily distribution” – a Christian bread line of sorts. Note the welfarist mentality brought about by this attitude: dependency on and fear of man, weakness, laziness, partiality, demagoguery, victimhood mentality and feebleness.
For those who think I err in my assertion, consider the following texts:
But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. – 2nd Thessalonians 3:6-15
But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load. – Galatians 6:4-5
Hence, this erred mentality, which many Christians have adopted as somehow being Biblical leads to,
– transferring of one’s responsibilities to another,
– resentment,
– misjudgment,
– sanctimony, leading to the obfuscation of one’s own sins and ultimately to
– a victimhood mentality which denies all personal responsibility to adopt the Christ-like character. (This mentality has permeated culture and has infected the church.)
For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. – James 3:16-18