The phrase "There's no such thing as a free lunch" is a familiar saying, meaning you can’t get something for nothing. Even when something appears to be free, there is always a hidden cost.
Political conservatives are criticizing the present Administration for promoting a “free lunch” ideology unlike anything since FDR—they fear it is fostering government-dependence and diminishing personal responsibility. This last year, the federal government offered financial incentives to people if they would buy automobiles, homes and appliances, in the form of tax breaks and refunds—in other words, paying Americans to buy things. The problem with the strategy of incentives is that they can turn into entitlements—the temporary tax break becomes permanent and everyone gets a free lunch!
Ironically, our government does give away free lunches. For 60 years, the National School Lunch Program has provided lunches to public school children for free… well, not exactly free—but at an annual cost of $10 billion to tax payers.
God’s grace is free; salvation is free; God freely blesses His children. But we must not forget that many of God’s blessings are conditioned on man’s response. An incorrect balance of the two can result in an ‘entitlement’ mentality, which begs the question: are God's promises conditional? Take a look at the beatitudes or other divine blessings, and you will find each blessing has a condition—“Blessed is the one who hungers and thirsts;” “blessed is the one who perseveres under trial;” blessed is the one who fears God.” These blessings are only for those who meet the condition of hunger, perseverance, and fear. Come to think of it, even though God's salvation is free, SOMEONE had to pay for it!
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