Recently in a conversation with a debt centre manager we discussed the work, the ending of the uplift in Universal Credit and the expected fuel cost rises. At some point they made this comment “Even when we get them out of debt they cannot afford to live” It wasn’t a figure of speech. They. Can. Not. Afford. To. Live. To stay alive. To breathe in and out. I could not get the horror of that phrase out of my head.
We pride ourselves on being a modern, advanced society. In truth it is only our technology that has advanced around us not we ourselves. Humanity is still as selfish, greedy and egotistical as it ever was. At the same time as I’m thinking on this comes the disclosure of the property purchases of the wealthiest in our world, done to avoid the payment of tax that would benefit the nation. Someone needs to tell them they can’t take it with them when they die. The world has always had the poor and the rich, and the middling classes. Nothing we have done has altered this imbalance. It feels to me like we still live in a Dickensian novel.
Yes, I know, some of the poor have not always acted in ways that would benefit their well being. Who am I to judge, not having lived their life? So many of the stories heard over the years of church ministry tell of abusive homes, mental health problems, learning disabilities, solace found in drugs and alcohol, military service, bankruptcy and marriage breakdowns. Would I have come out any better? Probably not.
There won’t be any obvious solutions put forward in this blog; the problem is vast. We need brave governments, and we need courageous philanthropists. We need the gospel that changes hearts and minds, and opens us to God’s limitless grace and kindness. We need to question for ourselves what constitutes a reasonable standard of living. What is a luxury? Should increased income always result in increased standard of living? Could we be brave enough to stop acquiring the dream, live simply and give the rest away? Our environment would thank us too.
Jesus said “Fear not, little children, it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom” We like to stop there, but he goes on “Therefore, sell what you have and give to the poor. This will store up treasure for you in heaven. And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it” (Luke 12:32-33)
This winter the rich will get richer and the poor poorer, and some will decide they cannot afford to breathe any more. Many will have to choose between food or fuel, our government may not wish to own this but it is true. If you could give something to someone in need, or lobby your member of parliament or support an agency like CAP (capuk.org) please do it so others can afford to live this winter.