WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOU?
by: Allen Domelle
I woke up this morning to drive to the airport to find out that the world did not come to an end. The stars were still shining as I drove to the airport. The roads had not crumbled when I pulled my car out of the garage. The TSA agents were still working at the airport as I checked in for my flight. The air was still breathable as I walked from my car to the terminal. In fact, as I drove to the airport the highways seemed busier than normal with truckers carrying freight. If you listened to the news reports, you would think the government shutdown would cause the United States to crumble.
As I sat in airports yesterday, I heard the heightened pitch of the news reporters voice talking about the government shutdown as if it’s the apocalypse. President Obama said, “A shutdown will have a very real economic impact on real people, right away,” Really? Senator Reid refused to sit down with Republicans in a conference to hammer out a deal like any business does in negotiations. As soon at the shutdown happened, both Democrats and Republicans were pointing fingers on who’s to blame.
What affect will the government shutdown have?
I certainly feel for those workers who will be affected, but what is amazing is they say they will send “non-essential” workers home. If they’re non-essential, then why are they working? If you’re a government worker who was sent home, then they are telling you that you have no job security because you are non-essential.
- The shutdown means that federal parks and monuments will be closed.
- 94 percent of the EPA employees will be sent home. HMMM, non-essential? Just asking.
- 87 percent of Commerce workers will be sent home.
- 80 percent of Treasury workers will be sent home.
- 50 percent of Defense workers will be sent home.
- 15 percent of Justice workers will be sent home.
- IRS audit appointments would be canceled, but taxes would still have to be paid.
- Social Security checks will still be mailed, Medicare and unemployment benefits would keep coming and food stamps would still be issued.
- Mail will still be delivered.
- Federal meat inspections will continue as usual.
In essence, the departments that stay open during a shutdown will be those that are directly related to our national security and public safety. So, what they’re saying with this shutdown is that the government is actually going to do what it was originally intended to do. They’re saying that the government is too big to be sending non-essential workers home.
What is sad is how those who represent the American people don’t conduct business like a business. If the average business conducted itself like Senator Reid is running the Senate, they would go out of business. Why not sit down and discuss line by line the differences each has with each other? I’m not rejoicing in those who will go home without a paycheck, but it simply goes to show that if a shutdown sends non-essential employees home, then it has gotten too big.
What does the government shutdown mean for you?
What we have learned from the government shutdown is that Philippians 4:19 is very relevant when it says, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” If you listen to President Obama and his news cohorts, you would think the government is the one who supplies our needs. Christian, you must realize that God is still in control and that He will supply your needs whether the government is running or whether it is shut down. Philippians 4:19 is relevant in good times and bad.
Let this government shutdown be a lesson to you that God is the One Who truly supplies our needs and not the federal government. Will the government shutdown really affect us? I can’t say and neither can an economist, because we don’t know the future. What I do know is that God will continue to supply my needs and yours like He has your whole life. So don’t fret, just keep trusting God.
Allen Domelle is the editor of the Old Paths Journal which is more than just a Christian’s publication. It is an excellent place to learn how today’s headlines will forge tomorrow’s laws and statutes. Keep yourself in tune with what is happening around the world, as well as in your own backyard with our daily updates and devotionals.