As everyone now knows, the repeal of
Omabacare by the new Republican Party leadership did not go as hoped for or
expected. House leaders recently pulled their bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act. President Trump said he
agreed to do that once Paul Ryan made it clear that the legislation lacked the votes
to pass. In subsequent remarks, both Trump and Ryan indicated they were ready
to move on from health care to other issues. But that remains to be seen.
Over and over again, GOP leaders
argued that their proposal represented the party’s best chance to kill
and then fix Obamacare. But efforts to corral enough Republicans failed. That occurred mostly because
leaders were dealing with two separate groups whose interests apparently did
not fully line up.
To summarize what happened, some
conservatives worried that repeal didn’t go far enough, while moderates worried
that it went a little too far. And every effort Republican leaders made to
appease one group seemed to alienate the other. Regardless of what happens
now, and as Republicans regroup for another attempt down the road, health care
is likely to remain a subject of intense interest and controversy.
Without question, health care
is a major concern for the American people. Any who do not have coverage can
feel quite vulnerable and worried about something major happening that would be
beyond their ability to handle financially. And it is rather obvious that one’s
health has great impact on most every other aspects of life. And any who lives
with serious issues in this realm will quickly attest to that sobering reality.
But physical health problems
vary from person to person. Some seem live to ripe old ages and experience
relatively few issues along the way. Then others seem to have problems almost
from day one. And of course there are accidents and others circumstances that
bring physical and medical hardships and suffering. But in the end none are
fully immune. That is simply a consequence of human sin and eventually everyone sees
the physical decline of the human body and then death at some point.
The subject of health care
seems to be an ever-present subject in the nation. That will likely not end anytime in the
foreseeable future no matter which party is in power. But what does not seem to
be much of an issue, despite being far more important ultimately, is the spiritual
health of a deeply divided nation. Not nearly as many seem to worry about their
spiritual health and eternal destiny as they do about their real and nagging, but temporary,
physical issues.
Health care coverage in America is
viewed as almost a birth right. Sadly, the spiritual re-birth described clearly in
God’s word is often not even part of life’s equation. That is tragic and dangerous
on many levels. But while the powers that be squabble about how to best care
for the physical needs of an entire nation, perhaps its citizens should begin placing
all of their collective needs in the hands of a much higher power. And the
wisdom of how to do that, and the result of doing so, is spelled out in Proverbs 3:5-8.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own
understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your
paths. Do not be wise in your own
eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.” It is God alone who can meet all of the needs and concerns of this life and fully prepare us for the life to follow - one where there will be no more death, sorrow or pain! (Rev. 21:4)
Bill Breckenridge
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