Jesus specifically told us that we would have the poor with us always. Although He did not specifically tell us, He implied that we will always have sin and sinners – unrepentant sinners – with us also. And that we will always have to deal with humans who are predators and parasites on their fellow men and women.

Ayn Rand, though an unbeliever, accurately described those parasites and predators when she wrote:

“When you realize that to produce, you must obtain permission from those who produce nothing; when you see that money flows to those who deal not in goods but in favors; when you notice that many become rich through bribery and influence rather than by their work, and that the laws do not protect you from them but, instead, they are protected from you; when you discover that corruption is rewarded and honesty becomes a form of self-sacrifice, then you can confidently say, without fear of being wrong, that your society is doomed.” – Ayn Rand

Jesus, too, pointed out that society is doomed when it is steeped and enslaved by sin. And that Scripture teaches that preying on your fellow humans, being parasites on others, is indeed sin. That sin may manifest itself in different ways (as Ayn Rand points out). But sooner or later, it corrupts and perverts the society, the economy, the culture, and ultimately destroys it.

This is not just found in governments, their leaders, employees, and beneficiaries thereof. We can see it in business, in education, in many elements of life and society, especially in religion. Whether it is “compassionate conservativism” or “populist progressivism.” Or bald tyranny.

We must constantly fight against these types of humans. First, by recognizing that we must never imitate them, or become like them. Second, by educating ourselves and others about how they do prey on us and others. Third, by resisting their actions, in a variety of ways. (Always counting the costs and seeking better ways to fight.) If we do not oppose them in both words and actions, all we do is encourage, incite, and facilitate their evil.

Again, as we are fond of pointing out, the choice is ours. Submit or oppose.