There are many philosophies on how we ought to get along. Some of them are lies. One lie is Socialism. Socialism actually intends to do well. It intends to help man. It intends to lift people up from their despair, helplessness or oppressed condition. The problem is it depends on man’s philosophy, ability and techniques rather than on the absolute truth of God’s Word.
Socialism is a lie, because it establishes comparisons between me and my neighbor and I need the government to help mediate equality between us. It’s a lie, because that is not the role of the government, nor the goal of man (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Cor. 10:31). Socialism taunts and bashes the success of some, declaring they are evil while stealing from those who “have” to give to the “have nots.” Granted, the government merely calls it a tax, but it is stealing.
Anyone who has a business is considered well off and workers are poor. A business owner might be scraping by to get the business going and the worker is living off the manipulations of some power hungry labor union (Unions had their place at one time, but the greediness of business has been surmounted by the greediness of some labor unions).
Unfortunately, Socialism establishes class warfare that as long as there are others “who have more than me,” I should have the government working for me to work for my equal rights. It’s a lie. It won’t happen. It’s like a drug that people think will help them, but in fact, will hurt them. It will not help me not feel small compared to what I think others have.
David Noebel writes, “[Socialists] believe that capitalism eventually destroys itself as it exploits more and more peole until everyone has been reduce to worker status” Understanding the Times, 9.4.3. Socialism seeks to stop that perceived fall and safeguard the people by its own devices, albeit controlled by “Elites.”
People foolishly think that it will be those “above me” economically will be the ones pulled down “to my level,” when in fact everyone will lose. Socialism thinks that the free-market system is top-down managed system to hold workers down, when it fact it is a bottom-up system that works according to the decisions of everyone in the system making decisions about what they want to buy or not and who can provide the best product at the best price. IN FACT, Socialism is controlled by “Elite people” who think they know what is best for everyone.
Ludwig von Mises wrote, “The entrepreneurs and capitalists are not irresponsible autocrats. They are unconditionally subject to the sovereignty of the consumers. The market is a consumers’ democracy.” http://mises.org/humanaction/chap15sec4.asp
The very complaint many have against successful people – greed – is really at the heart of those who resent their success – they are also greedy. The fact is they want someone else, the government, to make sure they get to see falsely established success. Then when politicians promise benefits and give gifts, people foolishly vote for the benefits rather than the principle. If American continues toward socialism, it will eventually kill the means by which America became great. Socialism depends on man controlling the economy. Free market is, as Adam Smith wrote in his book The Wealth of Nations (1776), is guided by the invisible hand of the decisions made in the market place. It eventually evens out.
Will you trust the sovereignty of God? Will you work if you can so that you can eat? Will you trust in the Lord and trust His provision?
The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich. (Proverbs 13:4)
For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. (2 Thessalonians 3:10) [For those in genuine need, the church has the responsibility to help immediately and help the person get on his feet so he can feed himself. The person must humble himself and want the help).
Pursue God and trust His Word and He will provide what you need.
Shepherding Truth 