health care reform

Health care reform is all you hear about on the news programs right now. We all knew this is something the Democrats wanted to do, and hopefully, everyone who voted for President Obama knew that. (Otherwise, they didn't make a very informed choice!)

So, what will we get? A full blown nationalized health care system, a modification or tweaking of the current system, or no change at all? It's the usual tug-of-war between the Republicans and Democrats, and it's anyone's guess who will win, but I would be surprised if we don't get at least a few changes this time around.

What should a Christian think about this? Well, I don't think there's a Christian position on how the government should be involved in health care. Often, many Christians will align themselves with the "less-government-intervention" side, but that doesn't mean that side is always the "correct" side scripturally.

Whatever you think about the views expressed in the paragraph above, ALL Christians should push for health care for all people:

"Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them." -Matthew 4:23-24

So, if you're a person who believes the government should stay of the health care business, then you need to support private initiatives to provide health care for uninsured and underinsured people. There are a lot of ways in which you can help, including providing money, volunteer time, or your medical expertise. Here in my town we have the Siloam Family Health Center. From their website:

"Siloam Family Health Center cares for the uninsured in Middle Tennessee by providing high-quality, affordable health care designed to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients. The clinic aligns staff, volunteers and donors to carry out this ministry of health, healing and hope for people who have few options for medical care."

So, let's get out there and get to work to follow Jesus' example of caring for the sick!