Solomon and Communism

As we come upon this political season, I often wonder why communistic/socialistic ideals seem so attractive. If communism is such a huge benefit, then why are so many citizens from Marxist countries seeking to come to the United States. For example even certain politicians seem to suggest that perhaps we should be more like Cuba, yet so many citizens of Cuba risk their lives to come to our country. Part of the mystery can be explained by the fact that the grass often seems greener on the other side of the fence. That may explain why some Americans think that communism has much to offer. This, however, does not explain why those from Cuba who have made it to the United States do not want to go back and, in fact, want their families to come here too. They truly have found a better place.
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For years I have been puzzled why anyone would even consider pushing communism when it so obviously is not in the best interest of the citizens it claims to benefit. I actually started to understand it a bit better as began to read about the wisdom of Solomon in I Kings 3.
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Two harlots were living in the same house. They each had a baby. It seems that one of the babies died during the night, and come morning there was a huge dispute over whose baby was living and whose had died. Each claimed that the live baby was hers. The dispute was brought before King Solomon who, in his wisdom asked that a sword be brought and ordered the baby cut in half.
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The mother of the baby asked that the child be given to the other woman, because she would rather lose her offspring to another than to have him killed. The other harlot was ready to let the baby be killed. In this manner, Solomon was able to deduce who the real mother was.
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One thing puzzled me for years as I read this story. Why would the other harlot be willing to have the baby killed? I could not understand such a desire until I began to read and listen to those with a Marxist/communist/socialist/entitlement mindset. You see, it was not as much about improving her own situation as it was about making sure that her rival did not have more than she had.
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It is a whole new variant on keeping up with the Joneses. Instead of working hard in order to get as much as the neighbor, the communist mindset says to take everything away from the neighbor so they do not have more than you do. Never mind the fact that you are BOTH worse off, at least they didn’t outdo you. You are both equally poor.
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We live amongst surprising wealth. Even the poorest amongst us seldom go without food. Only when we compare ourselves with those who have a larger house, nicer car, bigger TV, etc. do many of us seem poor. Such comparisons are not wise. May we as Christians, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5. This should serve to guard us against communistic covetousness.
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At the same time, we should also guard against greed and pride, and we should never compromise Christian values just to get ahead. There is no reason why you have to keep up with the Joneses. It is okay to have a smaller house or older car, especially if it is because you are giving to those who truly have needs instead of spending it on yourself. “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27
To read past articles by Pastor Miller, please visit bancroftbaptist.blogspot.com