3 Steps to Solve Immigration the Jesus Way by a Compassionate Conservative
2. Respect realistic limits.
Just as boundaries need to be determined and adhered to on the personal level, so too does this apply on the national level. Disregarding this principle brings disastrous results.
Idealism says, "Open the gates and let everybody in!" Realism says, "Assess our resources and capabilities to responsibly determine what we can do at this particular time."
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"Lord you have assigned me my portion and my cup, you have made my life secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, surely I have a delightful inheritance" (Ps. 16:5-6).
Individuals who discipline themselves to honor their God-given assignment and boundaries find security, a pleasant life and a delightful inheritance. This is why the apostle Paul wisely told a church, "We however will not boast beyond proper limits but will confine our boasting to the spheres of service God himself has assigned us, a sphere that also includes you" (2 Cor.10:13-14).
If a lifeboat has a sign stating "Limit of 12", it may appear compassionate to try and rescue 25 but the result can be the drowning of everyone!
Years ago, one of Christianity's most gifted musicians, Keith Green, tragically decided to risk overloading a plane with additional passengers plus two of his family. The plane began its ascent but quickly began a decent that brought a devastating crash killing all on board.
Headlines last week stated that it now takes approximately $130,000 yearly for a family of four to fulfill the American Dream. Assessing their current station in life, a couple decides that two, three or maybe four children are probably the limit for them. Is it right for someone to chide this couple for not being like the Duggard family with 19 children?
Today America faces over $17 trillion in debt. Cities are going bankrupt or on the precipice of insolvency. The welfare system is exploding. We are stretched to the max in our emergency rooms, schools, healthcare and social service agencies.
The New York Times on July 4 weekend said that we have added 300,000 more illegal immigrants since April 2014. At present, the floodtide shows no signs of receding.
Isn't it common sense that we appeal to those who may be well intentioned but could be taking us on the path to destruction if we are not responsible in setting realistic limits for immigration before it's too late?
3. Obey the government and its laws.
This point is so plainly simple yet blatantly disregarded; it's embarrassing that it has to be stated!
God tells us, "If you are willing (consent in your wills) and obedient (carry out the action) you shall eat the good of the land (reap abundant blessings)" (Is.1:19). One result of obedience is that immigrants shall not devour a nation's crops (see v.7). Sadly, hasn't this been happening?
It is unmistakable that the divine directive is for citizens to obey the governing authorities (Rom. 13:1-7; 1Pet.2:13-14). The one exception is if government forces us to violate a law of God (Acts 5:29). Why is this so difficult for many American citizens and illegal immigrants to grasp?
In our nation, when citizens sincerely believe that a law is unfair and should be changed, we have the recourse of doing it! Until such time, existing laws need to be obeyed or the result is lawlessness, which we are seeing increasingly in our country.
For the millions of illegal immigrants presently in the United States of America, a bipartisan team of public servants need to humbly come together to hammer out a pathway to citizenship that does not compromise existing laws or make a mockery of their predecessors who achieved their citizenship the proper way.
Be honest, what is your reaction when you have stood in line for 20–30 minutes for a ticket or restaurant seat and someone selfishly barges in line? "Hey! Hey! Excuse me, you need to wait in line like the rest of us!"
This is not an insurmountable task. Local post offices can be used for registration. Illegal immigrants can be told they have 30 days to comply, receive help in the 8-step process for citizenship, plus secure their identification card (green card) attesting to their permanent residence. Sponsors can be invited to come forth and serve as a "big-brother" or "big-sister" supporting our immigrant friends who are understandably insecure and apprehensive. And yes, failure to comply would result in fines and/or possible jail time to impress upon individuals the seriousness of getting this done once and for all. Only then can we as the American family begin to put this unfortunate chapter behind us to find a brighter future.
"But Larry, this would probably cost money. Can we afford it?"
Our President has recently asked for $3.7 billion to basically alleviate the humanitarian crisis on our southern border (which should never have happened in the first place!). Only 1.8 percent is suggested for bolstering border security which is critical to resolving this crisis and avoiding similar crises like this in the future. Why don't we direct a larger amount to support the immediate training of qualified Border Patrol agents; deploy at least a 1000 National Guard troops to the southern border; utilize daily drone flights along the border to identify those involved in human trafficking and drug cartels; extend the long overdue border fence (Yes, walls and fences do work or why else do we have them around the White House? Israel and China have relied on them for decades). Finally, allocate generous amounts to compensate the kindhearted citizens who respond to the call for a national sponsorship service corps (N.S.S.C.).
Come on. Let's get going and get this done! Projections for unaccompanied immigrant children are currently 90,000 for this year and 150,000 for next year! The heinous crime of human trafficking is epidemic. Parentless children warehoused in close-knit conditions are an invitation for abuse of every kind, plus a breeding ground for communicable diseases like polio, tuberculosis, flu and measles. This public health risk is only exceeded by the national security risk of terrorists and drug cartel members slipping into our nation to link with sleeper cells.
This is a pivotal time and a defining moment in our history. We need a unified response here in America and among our Central American partners who need to know that we will severely curtail financial aid if they fail to cooperate. One leader has even called for a boycott of Mexico tourism until they comply.
Jesus loves all the little children of the world. He modeled the maxim of demonstrating love and honoring authority.
We've squandered enough time and treasure trying things our way. It's time we humble ourselves and embrace the method of the Master.
