David Kuo, former number two man in the White House office of faith-based and community initiatives, is calling for Christian conservatives to go on a fast from politics.  In a 60 Minutes interview last night, he seemed to say that his own disillusionment with the Republican White House has led him to call for all of us to stay home for awhile because some in the President's inner circle look down upon us and because they don't do enough for the poor.  I don't think we have a right to follow his advice, nor do I think it would be wise.  I do believe in fasting - from TV news, from the Los Angeles Times, even from food for a time - but as Christian citizens of the United States, we all have a responsibility and the right to participate in electoral politics. 

Kuo's complaint that White House insiders disdain Christian leaders is interesting but irrelevant. And it's certainly no reason for the fast he has declared.  That leaves the poor; and if I understand his reasoning, this is a subject which divides Christians, and even conservatives, though why it does is a mystery to me.

Certainly, Christians do not disagree that we should be helping "the poor" among us.  We do disagree, however, about how best to help.  I have long been intrigued that the saying, "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day; teach him to fish, feed him for a lifetime," a saying proven true time and again overseas, is so seldom applied domestically.  But that's an argument for another day. 

In my role as a pastor, I spend a fair amount of time studying Scripture - particularly the life and teachings of Jesus.  Nowhere in his teachings do I find support for the notion that God wants his people to care for the poor through government programs.  Every injunction of Jesus was addressed to individuals.  Caring for the poor is my concern and your concern, not the government's concern.  Contrary to those who compare humanitarian aid by governments, I'm quite certain that if God is keeping track at all, he's listing your giving and my giving, not Uncle Sam's.

So my recommendation to David Kuo is to see to his own house, as it were, and to stop looking to government to do what is each of our individual responsibility.  Christians and others do pool our philanthropic resources through non-governmental organizations which do tremendous work both at home and all over the world.  One of them might just have a role for someone with the commitment and zeal of a David Kuo.

Meanwhile, part of the good citizen responsibilities of all Christians - conservative and otherwise - is to study the candidates and issues and vote our conscience.  Let's all do that this November.  Too many people have given too much to preserve our right to vote for us to give it up.  What do you think?