my thoughts on immigration

The whole immigration thing seems to be a hot topic amongst the general populace these days. Even though the immigration bill died last night in the senate, the debate will continue to go on and on. There is no easy way to deal with this current crisis in our country.

My mind thinks of this issue on two different levels. My American mindset says that the people here illegally should be sent back and go through the process of becoming a citizen the lawful way. My great, great grandparents did it the legal way, why should we lower our standards of citizenship now. I'm also afraid of the government welfare state that will expand or be created if we give 20 million illegals amnesty. I don't want my children's tax burden to be 3 times the size of mine because of choices we make today. It's a sell-out to our future.

On the other hand, I'm a Christian. My heavenly citizenship is far more precious to me than my earthly one. I'm a follower of Jesus Christ, not a follower of any political party. Of the 20 million or so illegal immigrants that are here, how many Christians have reached out to them with the gospel? How many of us have offered to provide help and assistance to those in need? My Heavenly Father tells me to love my neighbor whether they are here illegally or not.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that every believer should have the conviction and priority to share the gospel with the world. So now that the world is coming to us, shouldn't we be energized about the opportunities that lay at our doorstep?

The next time you see someone whom you know is here illegally, what will you do? Will you look at them as an illegal alien or someone who needs to hear about the love of Jesus.