A Reflection on Public Policy and Jesus
A Theory of Deservedness and Merrit-Based Policy
When policies are created, I don’t think people always realize the full depth of how they impact those who are poor—how they shape the course of a person’s life and, in many cases, have the power to shorten life spans. Many policies that do not consider those who are impoverished are rooted in an irrational form of policymaking called the theory of deservedness.
When I was doing research on this theory, two policy scholars, Schneider and Ingram, unpacked this framework and how it creates laws based on who is deemed “deserving” and who is deemed “undeserving.”1
Their work explains how this approach prioritizes the powerful, wealthy, and privileged while marginalizing those who are poor, vulnerable, or lack access to resources.
This framework helps one to understand how labels and stereotypes are used to justify policies that harm groups, framing them as social problems rather than human beings deserving of dignity, care, and support. This creates a society where “deservedness” is at the core of every conversation, creating division and a group that considers itself the ones who are deserving.
For instance, when policies operate from a deservedness framework, they reinforce the idea of a meritocracy—a system that assumes everyone starts on an equal playing field. In reality, this ignores the fact that many people begin from vastly different places due to systemic injustice, poverty, or discrimination.
Here recently, we have been hearing rhetoric around a “colorblind” and “merit-based society.” I have problems with this political rhetoric and think it can be very biased and violent in the coming days.
Merit-based approaches leave no room for grace—the very thing Jesus gave His life for—that whosoever will may come. When policies operate from this framework, they strip away compassion and instead reinforce judgment.
This irrational form of policymaking often has life-or-death consequences.
For example:
• Higher medication costs can force someone to choose between food and life-saving treatment.
• Anti-homeless ordinances, framed as “public safety” measures, don’t address the root causes of homelessness but instead criminalize people for their circumstances.
The theory of deservedness also assumes people must “prove” they are worthy of help, often using vague language to sound neutral while reinforcing inequities. It’s an irrational and deeply harmful way to frame policy decisions, as it prioritizes discrimination over compassion. For people of faith, this should be especially concerning. Jesus never operated from a theory of deservedness. He didn’t ask if someone was “worthy” of help—He simply served.
Jesus said:
“I came for the poor.”
“I serve those who are overlooked.”
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me.”
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Jesus was proximate to people whom society deemed unworthy. He healed those labeled as misfits, uplifted the overlooked, and embraced those the empire discarded. I am deeply heartbroken to see the type of hateful language and rhetoric that is not of Jesus coming from people who claim to follow Him.
How can you truly minister to and love people if you don’t believe they are worthy of God’s love?
As I reflect on Dr. King’s work, I am reminded of his words in “The Drum Major Instinct” sermon:
“Yes, Jesus, I want to be on your right or your left side, not for any selfish reason… but so that I can be a drum major for justice, a drum major for peace, a drum major for righteousness.” Dr. King’s words remind us that love in action, rooted in justice and compassion, must always consider the other.
If we want to honor his legacy and the teachings of Jesus, we must stand against dehumanization and prioritize dignity, love, and justice.
Because in the end, that’s what Jesus would do.
Schneider, Anne L., and Helen M. Ingram, eds. Deserving and Entitled: Social Constructions and Public Policy. Albany: State University of New York Press, 2005.
Listen to the Imgaine Dignity Podcast [HERE]
Order “Zion Learns To See: Opening Our Eyes To Homelessness” [HERE]
If you want to explore homelessness in the U.S., please consider reading “I See You: How Love Opens Our Eyes to Invisible People.”
Explore my book “When We Stand: The Power of Seeking Justice Together” to learn about the impact of community involvement and collective action on social change.
Discover “All God’s Children: How Confronting Buried History Can Build Racial Solidarity to gain insight into the significance of understanding the historical narratives that shape people and how you might stand in solidarity with your neighbor.
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