Review the following current event(s) and present your reactions and responses to the situations presented.
One area of great concern in America today is our welfare mindset. Many individuals have developed "learned helplessness" by having their needs met through the "system" and not being taught how to manage finances and earn a living wage. At times a Christian may look down on a single mother of 3 children providing for her family by using the welfare system (Medicaid, food stamps, WIC, and low income housing).
There has been a development in the Christian community where we have developed our own welfare mindset. A family of 5 where the father makes $25,000 a year may be praised because the mother is thrifty, stays home with the children and may even home school. This family may receive the same services from welfare that the single mother does, but they are praised for their "investment in the family". This is not about families that have fallen on hard times and need assistance for a period of time until they are back on their feet, but families having several children and making this a life style decision.
The discussion can center around your observations of the situation.
Have you seen this behavior in your community? If so, what are your reactions the situation?
What stand, if any, should the church community make?
Do you think this is a double standard? How can the situation be resolved?