Read Time: 4 min 46 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

POLITICS

Social Disservices?

Minnesota’s been caught in a blizzard of scandal.

It all centers around the northern state’s social services—government programs that help meet struggling people’s basic needs for things like food, housing, and work. Reports say that a scam within social services stole hundreds of millions of dollars that taxpayers had paid the government. A children’s food distribution organization, a program for seniors with disabilities, and services for children with autism were reportedly caught up in the corruption scheme.

Dozens of people have been charged with fraud (lying to get money). Some have been accused of giving stolen money to an Islamic terrorist organization in Somalia, a majority Muslim country in East Africa. They deny it.

President Trump blamed “Somali gangs” for “terrorizing” Minnesota (most of the fraud defendants are of Somali descent). And he blamed the state’s Democratic governor, Tim Walz, for not addressing the scandal.  

Republicans in the House of Representatives are investigating the Governor. The U.S. Treasury is looking into whether money went to terrorists. Walz says he “welcomes” the investigations.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Unless you live in Minnesota, there’s probably not much you can do about these allegations and investigations. What you can do is audit your own integrity with the resources God has entrusted to you. Are you using your time and money in a way that pleases Him, or are you using it for your own comfort?

“Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.”
Hebrews 13:16 (CSB) (read full passage)

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
Minnesota was responsible for protecting taxpayer money, and its apparent failure stings even more because funds were intended to help those in need. 

Human oversight seems to have failed here, but God’s oversight won’t. Nothing escapes His notice—even secret schemes: “God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14 CSB).

Judgment can feel like a scary word, but it’s actually very good news. God’s judgment is His promise to set everything right. And God’s people have no need to fear—not because we’re good enough on our own, but because Jesus “rescues us from the coming wrath” (1 Thessalonians 1:10 CSB).

How can I model loving an enemy when discussing this story?
Showing compassion to strangers.

When we bear the name “Christian,” how we speak about and behave toward immigrants—criminal or not—reflects on Christ. Don’t make assumptions about strangers’ stories; show curiosity and compassion (Leviticus 19:33-34); and speak about foreigners, fellow image-bearers of God, with dignity and respect.

Believers in Jesus know what it’s like to live in a land that’s not our own: “Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and exiles to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul. Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that when they slander you as evildoers, they will observe your good works and will glorify God on the day he visits” (1 Peter 2:11-12 CSB).

• Share Christmas joy with a near-stranger in your life. New kid in class? New coworker? Neighbor who just moved in? Show compassion and hospitality by sharing your Christmas cookies, making them a card (ideas below), or inviting them to church or dinner.  
   

• Memorize Hebrews 13:16, “Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices” (CSB).
   

• Pray for justice and peace in Minnesota, and that God’s people would lead the way in showing compassion and hospitality to strangers.

CREAM AND SUGAR

Gen Z Word of the Week: “My brother’s beige flag is that he pours his milk before his cereal.”

Family Fun: What’s better than getting a Christmas card? Getting a homemade Christmas card! Check out these craftable cards you can make with your kids (see #4 for a footprint snow creature who doesn’t remotely resemble a snowman).

Whipped Cream on Top: Choo choo!

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