Alan Keyes: Charity

"I believe if the churches were doing their job there shouldbe no such thing as a government welfare system. And I think that people would be inclined to do the job that the Lord means for us to do. If we were not burdened by a tax system that takes the money out of our hands, before we get achance to decide what to do with it. Think about this from a Christian point ofview. What in fact is a true work of charity? As I see it, a true work of charity is actually as Christ portrays it, an overflow of that abundant grace that God has shared with us on account of our faith. Is it not, it is a free flowing thing. It’s not coerced; it’s a simple consequence of the presence of Jesus Christ in our lives. And If that overflowing is properly taking place, nobody needs to beat us over the head. Put a gun to our head; whip us out so we’ll be doing things for the poor and others. That Christ has enjoined uponus. No! It is a step we take because we think with his mind that within us. We are feeling with his heart that is within us. Now when they setup a government system and coerce money out of our pockets through taxation, and then say weare going to spend it on good works. Do you know what they have deprived us of? They have deprived us of the opportunity to display true charity. And believe me, I think that is important. Why, because the works of charity did not haveas their objective to feed and to clothe in the physical sense. They have as their objective to give glory to God so that we can achieve the conversion of hearts to Jesus Christ. And I have to tell you. I am afraid that when we move this into a government sphere, we are in danger of letting the glory go to the government, which should really belong to God."

- Allen Keyes