We closed yesterday with the observation that “Only an evil ruler looks to satisfying his own needs before the needs of his people and the future of his kingdom.” A good royal, on the other hand, has a zeal for the public welfare. The phrase “public welfare” is a loaded term today with mostly political ramifications, but in this case the term is much broader in its meaning. In the ancient kingdom of Israel the welfare of the people could entail building public roads, seaside docks and marketplaces. Lowering taxes, assuring the people had what they needed for the annual sacrifices, and the practice of gleaning were all used to assist the people. God even implemented a system of forgiveness of debts every seven years. The term “public welfare” applies to every facet of life, not simply free money from the government.

How does the term apply to the modern Christian? In regard to the modern notion of welfare the Bible has a very narrowly defined group of people who are eligible to be taken care of by church members. Take widows for example, they had to be over 60 years old, never divorced, have no living husband, children (though they must have raised children) or nephews, they must have given shelter to strangers and done other good works (1 Timothy 5.5-.16). Only a woman who meets these requirements should secure assistance from the fellowship of believers. Imagine if we had such requirements for today’s government assistance?

Today kingdom royals have different opportunities to care for others. In the recent presidential candidate debated John Kasich commented that his priorities were family, faith and friends. The statement struck me as odd; maybe he wasn’t listing these three in order of importance, but if not then in what order were they listed? God (faith) is always first *Luke 9.59-60), then family and finally others. We are obligated to care for family and doing so is neither charity nor a good work, simply an expectation. It is what we do for others that is most telling and is the point of the parable of the Good Samaritan.

So what can we do for the public welfare? We can show grace and goodness to our community. Volunteer to make your neighborhood a better place to live. You can adopt a street, volunteer at the local library, host food and clothing drives, serve at a homeless rescue center, or sponsor a blood drive or any of a myriad of other opportunities. Visit a nursing home and listen to those who are suffering and need of God’s love. Visit fellow church members at a hospital, or fix a meal for a neighbor who is experiencing difficult times. Use your spiritual gifts to serve the body of Christ, use your talents to evangelize your community. Volunteer to be a homeschool teacher for a single subject. You don’t even need to have kids of your own, just make sure the local homeschool community knows what you are good at and willing to teach and they will get the kids together. This is just a short list of what I could think of in a few minutes, if you prayerfully consider your time, talents and treasure you will find many opportunities to do good for the public.

When serving the welfare of the people it is important to remember that the work is born out of love for others, not for buttering up conversion targets or to grow your church membership. We serve because we love people the way God love’s people, sacrificially. We serve because we are children of the King, co-heirs of the Suffering Servant.