How do they make you think differently or view the issue differently?
Jeremiah 17:9-10
“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?
10 I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind,
Isaiah 5:20-22
20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!
Psalm 69: 5-6
O God, You know my foolishness;
And my sins are not hidden from You.
6 Let not those who wait for You, O Lord God of hosts, be ashamed because of me;
Let not those who seek You be confounded because of me, O God of Israel.
Resources
Bible
Website: Economic Inequality and Crony Capitalism with Anne Bradley and Scott Rae at https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2019/…
Background Information
As social workers and Christians, it is vital that we learn to assess clients and situations as accurately and fairly as possible. First, for the sake of the dignity and worth of our clients it is essential that we not jump to conclusions based on either their behavior, past labels or diagnosis, or our own bias or assumptions. Indeed, we should be slow and cautious in labeling others or giving a diagnosis until we have enough time to gather all the facts. Second, seeking to remain objective and accurately gather data and information is just as vital in assessing policies, political issues, theories and new intervention strategies before drawing conclusions or recommending strategies. Just because something sounds good or feels right doesn’t mean that it is. The Bible reminds us that the human heart is deceitful and that as fallen people we are prone to doing what is right in our own eyes instead of God’s eyes. As social workers, because we care about hurting and vulnerable people, it can be especially easy to quickly react to issues or problems out of our emotions instead of investigating them for the evidence that supports or debunks them as truly good and helpful. We would probably counsel our clients to be careful not to make decisions in haste, in a crisis or based on their feelings and yet this is what we often do in reaction to others, events or politics. Indeed, we must be vigilant and prayerful in reflecting on our motivations and examining the evidence before us so we can offer truth that sets people free and not false hope, unhelpful ideas or half-truths.
For this week’s devotional you will listen to a discussion about income inequality, an issue that is both a popular topic these days as well as one that may impact the lives of our clients. As you listen to the podcast, consider your assumptions and bias, reflect on how your emotions may drive your conclusions about this topic and ask God to help you determine the facts and Biblical principles needed to help you decide where you stand.
Prayer
Jesus, help me to be discerning and wise in my assessment of others and issues. Help me to be aware of my own heart and motivations and guide me in ways of righteousness as I seek to help individuals, groups and communities. Amen.
Instructions
Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.
Listen to the podcast, Economic Inequality and Crony Capitalism with Anne Bradley and Scott Rae.
Navigate to the threaded discussion and respond to the following prompts:
The very wording of the term, “income inequality” can stir in us a sense of injustice as it implies that someone is being treated unfairly. Describe your reaction to the term and how it tends to make you feel. Also, explain what experiences you have had that might cause you to respond to this term or issue emotionally in the way you do.
What surprised you about the information you heard in the podcast? Identify and describe 2 ideas that stood out to you.
How do some of the facts or ideas presented in the podcast affect how you feel about the issue? How do they make you think differently or view the issue differently?
In social work, as in many professions, information is often presented based on certain assumptions or beliefs about what will work to fix problems instead of critically examining data and ideas. What can you do as a Christian and a social worker to make sure you are assessing people, situations and ideas fairly, using good data and with Biblical perspectives? Be specific.
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