Benefit Culture

The government is trying to change the culture in our nation, by addressing who gets support and help, for what reasons, and how much. 

Starting with the establishment of the Welfare State, in the aftermath of the Second World War, there has been an increasing proportion of national wealth spent on caring for the most vulnerable. In other countries, particularly in northern Europe, the proportion of national wealth spent on the welfare of others is even higher than in the UK.

But obviously, there isn't a bottomless pit of funds available. Some difficult choices have to be made, and some will lose out.

One of Jesus' famous parable raises some interesting observations about the deserving or undeserving poor. '“For the Kingdom of Heaven is like the landowner who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay the normal daily wage and sent them out to work.' (Matthew 20.1-2) During the day, the landowner hires more workers at 9, 12, 3 and 5, each time telling them he would pay them what was right. When it was time for payment, everyone received the same amount, which led to a great dispute. The response of the landowner is striking. '“He answered one of them, ‘Friend, I haven’t been unfair! Didn’t you agree to work all day for the usual wage? Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?’ (Matthew 20.13-15)

Of course, Jesus is not talking about how employers in the real world, or benefit agencies, may deal with people. 

But this reminds me that God's generosity to people like me is overwhelming, and having received it, I should learn to be generous in my attitudes and actions towards others too.

As we often say at St. Andrew's, a healthy church is a generous church.

Best wishes,

Richard