Lately I've found myself becoming disconnected with the "American" ideals of pride and "bettering oneself," feeling out of place among that ethic, and nothing inspires more passion in me than the treatment I see given to Medicaid patients. Just recently I was at a doctor's office waiting my turn and overheard someone saying "we shouldn't schedule any Medicaid during those times, we only want people who will bring us money." I also overheard some patients saying, "thank goodness we're not like them, it's disgusting that they can't even pay for their things." The part that I found truly disquieting was that I worship with some of these people, and I can't find a place in Scripture where this mindset is encouraged.
I'm blessed to work in an office where co-workers treat everyone equally, give them the same options and advice, and find equal joy in helping those who wish to spend $1000 and those who decide to use what the government will give them freely; however, this spirit isn't found very often. Viewing someone as less due to their circumstances is not parallel to how Christ lived His life. As Jesus wandered from town to town He depended on others for shelter and food, knowing that His calling did not allow Him time to toil in trade or surround Himself with wealth. After His ascension into heaven, Jesus' disciples continued to follow this path as they continued His ministry. Jesus took what was freely given, and our churches champion His humility even as we frown upon expanding government aid to those in need.
Another complaint I hear is that those on Medicaid don't work as hard as others, and would rather laze about at home than put in the hard work. Scripture puts this into perspective in Luke chapter 21 when Jesus visits with the sisters Mary and Martha. As Martha works around the home in an effort to give Jesus the best her home has to offer, Mary sits at His feet listening to His words in an effort to give Him the best her soul has to offer. When Martha questions Jesus about this He tells her that Mary has chosen best. This does not mean that work is meaningless, but the importance of work is in who we work for. I am driven to resume my schooling and work passionately at it not so that I can "better myself" but so that I may better serve the plans God has for me. Sure, you might work 60 hours a week and bring home a big salary but how do you serve the Lord while you work? What time does this leave for you to listen to His words? You have no idea of the work someone does, and only God can give value to it.
In Luke 21:1-4, the Bible puts wealth and giving into perspective when a poor widow puts her only coins into an offering for the Lord. Jesus blesses her actions because "she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." You may be able to pay for your appointments upfront, or give thousands to charity out of your wealth, but how much more will the Father bless those who give what they lack? I worked with someone on Medicaid who told me how much it hurt her to see her neighbor without food to eat, and was planning to buy him groceries after she ordered her glasses. She told me it might be a bit before she could come to pick them up because after the groceries she wouldn't have any gas until her next disability check came in. I tell you the truth, I could buy food for someone I meet on the street but the generosity of that patient far outweighs mine.
Therefore, why should any one of us consider ourselves to be different than the least of these? We are not "better," we are simply "blessed." I am "blessed" that I paid for my groceries with a check, not "better" than the person behind me who used food stamps. I am "blessed" to have a car (even one without working heat or a/c), not "better" than those I see walking down the road to work or the store. Even as I type these words I am "blessed" that God has placed this passion and knowledge upon my heart, not "better" than the people I heard criticizing Medicaid patients. If anything, I need prayer and strength more than anyone else and should continue to humble myself lest I forget the words God has placed in my mind. Satan does not concern himself with those who walk in shadows, he must tear down those whom Christ is leading to the light. These words are not my own, but are the voice of Him who lives within me. Without Him I would live in ignorance and give in to the same negative thoughts. So I more than anyone must remember, I am "blessed" but never "better."
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