Reflections on Title 42, Border Concerns, and Matthew 6:27
We should strive not to let our worries prevent us from seeking and implementing just, compassionate, and effective solutions.
For meâŠthis has been an ongoing concern and a constant source of worry. Even to the point of distraction. I have been focused on the potential problem (worry) instead of focusing on prayer, fasting, and wisdom.
BreakdownâŠ
The ongoing conversation surrounding Title 42 and its potential expiration has raised significant concerns among various stakeholders in the United States, particularly those who see it as a linchpin in maintaining control at the southern border. To understand these concerns, one must first grasp what Title 42 is, the role it plays, and the implications of its end. Furthermore, viewing this situation through the lens of Matthew 6:27, a verse from the Christian Bible, may offer a unique perspective on how to approach the complexities of this issue.
Title 42, invoked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is a section of the U.S. Code that allows the government to prohibit entry into the country of individuals who may pose a public health risk. Critics argue that the rule has been used to curtail asylum rights and expedite the removal of migrants at the southern border, including those seeking refuge from violence, poverty, or political instability in their home countries.
The potential end of Title 42 brings forth concerns among those who fear a surge of migration that, in their view, could overwhelm the border and the immigration system. They argue that such a surge could strain resources and potentially expose the U.S. population to health and security risks.
Why Give It To God?
However, these worries should be tempered with humanitarian considerations and an understanding of the forces driving migration. Many migrants are fleeing desperate situations and should be given the opportunity to seek refuge in accordance with international and U.S. asylum laws. The end of Title 42 could indeed lead to a rise in border crossings, but it also offers an opportunity to rethink and improve our immigration policies, ensuring they are both secure and compassionate.
In considering these complex issues, it may be helpful to reflect on biblical wisdom, specifically Matthew 6:27 from the New International Version (NIV), which states, "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" This verse is part of a larger passage where Jesus encourages his followers not to worry about their lives, but to trust in God's provision.
Applying this verse to the situation at hand does not mean ignoring the very real concerns about border security or public health. However, it invites us to consider how worry and fear might be shaping our attitudes and responses. It prompts us to question whether our fears might be preventing us from envisioning and implementing more compassionate and effective solutions.
The verse suggests that worry does not add value to our lives or solve our problems. It does not, for instance, create a more secure border or lead to fairer immigration policies. Instead, it might blind us to potential solutions and make us resistant to change.
In conclusion, as we grapple with the end of Title 6:42 and its implications for the border, it is important to balance valid concerns about security and public health with a commitment to humanitarian values and a clear-eyed understanding of the factors driving migration. We should strive not to let our worries prevent us from seeking and implementing just, compassionate, and effective solutions. Our approach to these issues can be informed by Matthew 6:27, reminding us not to let worry consume us, but to seek wisdom and courage in addressing the challenges ahead.
Take Care, God Bless, and Make It A Great Day!
Matthew Adams
Anyone have any similar thoughts!