Servant Rules

 Servant Rules

Exodus 21: “Now these are the judgments which you shall set before them: ² If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years; and in the seventh he shall go out free and pay nothing. ³ If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him. ⁴ If his master has given him a wife, and she has borne him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out by himself. ⁵ But if the servant plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,’ ⁶ then his master shall bring him to the judges. He shall also bring him to the door, or to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him forever.

 

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GOD continued HIS conversation with Moses by giving a mindset of how to treat people. The deeply engrained mindset of Egyptian slavery was being addressed.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is compassionate, loving and caring, so HE views servants as help versus the way humans view slavery.
• GOD has expectations that employers treat all hired help with care.
• GOD gave freedom as the goal.

 

Egyptian slavery was cruel, self-serving and quite demeaning. Pharaoh saw himself as a god, which bred the thought of ultimate power. With ultimate power, came ultimate corruption. BUT GOD hated this cruelty. HE also knew that some people would not be able to own land and manage animals.

 

These people would still need to work, but would be unde4r the care of those who would have their own places. GOD expected everyone to help in sustaining life. Some people would become servants voluntarily. They would not be servants forever, unless there was an agreement.

 

I believe GOD’s expectation was for the hirer to help those who would become servants with a plan to be able to sustain themselves. The rules would protect innocent women and children from abandonment.

 

This set of rules would only be temporary, however, the heart of caring for people would always apply. GOD would eventually say that the law would be fulfilled by loving one another.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the rules of servanthood?
• Have you ever felt that your employees or servants need to serve you forever?
• How are you setting people up for success to be free as GOD wants them to be?

True Freedom From Slavery

True Freedom From Slavery

2 Peter 2: ¹⁷ These people are like dried-up springs, like clouds blown along by a storm; God has reserved a place for them in the deepest darkness. ¹⁸ They make proud and stupid statements, and use immoral bodily lusts to trap those who are just beginning to escape from among people who live in error. ¹⁹ They promise them freedom while they themselves are slaves of destructive habits—for we are slaves of anything that has conquered us. ²⁰ If people have escaped from the corrupting forces of the world through their knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and then are again caught and conquered by them, such people are in worse condition at the end than they were at the beginning. ²¹ It would have been much better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than to know it and then turn away from the sacred command that was given them. ²² What happened to them shows that the proverbs are true: “A dog goes back to what it has vomited” and “A pig that has been washed goes back to roll in the mud.”

 

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After reaching a certain level, I figured people would listen to me. I flaunted my title and expected everyone to align to “my” statements because of the level. Wealth was an easy target to dangle in front of those who desired it. “If you work hard, then you can win an award” was the company line I believed in.

 

• I was a slave to power.
• I was a slave to money.
• I was a slave to being followed and giving “my” advice.

 

Peter concludes his warning to stay away from false teachers. He gives some startling truths regarding enslavement. The false teachers lured people back into destructive habits that people had escaped because of their belief in JESUS, enslaving them and taking away their hope.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is willing to cleanse me daily.
• True freedom is available to me when I follow what CHRIST says.
• There is hope for the addicted, the hopeless and the down-trodden through JESUS.

 

Following humans is okay, but following GOD is the best way to go. I mean, humans, even preachers and missionaries, can have an agenda that can lead to a false teaching of GOD’s love to get his or her lustful way. GOD sees this kind of manipulation and is not pleased with it , at all! Fortunately there is another way.

 

JESUS forgives and is willing to heal those who struggle with something he or she knows is not good for them. HE has faced every type of temptation and cares for you and me. HE, however, wants HIS followers to be wise and to not follow flattering words that may take people away from HIS love. I am glad GOD cares enough for me to guide me away from myself and protect me from those who do not care about HIS precious name.

 

Challenge

• What corrupting forces is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever been worried about something or have you been stuck doing something you know is not good for you?
• Will you reduce following humans who may be manipulating you to get his or her way and seek GOD’s way that can set you free today?

Committed

Committed

1 Peter 4: ¹⁷ The time has come for judgment to begin, and God's own people are the first to be judged. If it starts with us, how will it end with those who do not believe the Good News from God? ¹⁸ As the scripture says,

 

“It is difficult for good people to be saved;
    what, then, will become of godless sinners?”

 

¹⁹ So then, those who suffer because it is God's will for them, should by their good actions trust themselves completely to their Creator, who always keeps his promise.

 

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Noticing that it was brighter than usual at that time of day, I looked outside only to see deep snow. I had to get to school, so I got dressed warm enough to face the cold. I waited on the bus for a while, but noticed it was not anywhere in sight. I walked to the next stop which was one mile away. The next three busses were late and packed. I arrived to school only to find out all schools in the city had been closed.

 

• It was very hard to get to school that day.
• Every part of the trip provided another reason to give up.
• I felt like saying “You got to be kidding me!” but simply turned around and reversed the tumultuous trip.

 

Peter discussed GOD’s judgment as it relates to suffering Christians. He seemed to attempt to provide some straight talk to believers by quoting Solomon saying it is difficult for good people to be saved. He then acknowledges the difficulty and suggests that people who suffer because they follow the will of GOD, should be committed to keep going.

 

My Observations:

• When GOD makes a promise, HE never, ever stops until HE keeps it.
• I can place my total trust in GOD because HE keeps HIS promises.
• My attempts to “do good” should continue, no matter how difficult the trip may be.

 

Belief in CHRIST is easy, but living for CHRIST can be difficult. I mean, the world presents itself in ways that seem okay. It’s okay to lie a little, get drunk a little, lust a little and be selfish a little, as long as it’s done in moderation. BUT GOD’s standard is compromised by this approach.

 

The other extreme is to follow the rules so strictly that fruit is not bared. GOD knows I a a sinner saved by HIS grace. Only through belief in perfection, namely JESUS, can I be saved. By siding with JESUS, I pick a fight with Satan, who in turn, wants me to quit talking about JESUS. I am glad GOD has given me and you purpose, even though it can be difficult at times.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention how difficult being a Christian can be?
• Do you think everything should go your way all the time?
• Do you believe there is an enemy to JESUS who wants to stop you at all costs?
• Will you “trust” yourself to GOD by being committed to doing the good deed HE wants you to do today, no matter what the obstacle looks like?

Return Experienced

 

Return Experienced

Philemon 1: ¹⁵ It may be that Onesimus was away from you for a short time so that you might have him back for all time. ¹⁶ And now he is not just a slave, but much more than a slave: he is a dear brother in Christ. How much he means to me! And how much more he will mean to you, both as a slave and as a brother in the Lord!

 

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Anxious to grow up, I would not wait to be on my own. When I got out into the world, life was not quite as I expected. It had brutal turns and difficult situations. There were times when I had lost hope. But that’s when people reached out to me inviting me to church. A change was presented to me well enough for me to understand and take action.

 

• Things were not going well for me, so I had to change.
• My life was falling apart, so I needed something different.
• Life was more difficult than I thought, so I needed some help that was greater than any human could provide.

 

Paul sends the equivalent of a reference letter to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus. He tells Philemon that Onesimus has experienced life in CHRIST and is now a different “employee” because of his belief. Paul wants Philemon to see Onesimus as more than an employee, rather someone who has experienced life and can help others by spreading the Gospel.

 

My Observations

• Life can be difficult, BUT GOD is always the answer.
• Life can seem scary and present multiple troubles, BUT GOD is always there with me presenting solutions.
• Life can seem unfair because of my belief in CHRIST, BUT GOD explains to me that I will sometimes be persecuted because of JESUS.

 

Some situations caused by other humans are rotten. I mean, there are some situations that are out of my control that affect me and I feel helpless. BUT GOD is there to provide hope. HE picks me up and shows me that I am protected by HIM.

 

HE safely guides me through life’s experiences and grows my faith along the way. After I have gone through something, I can return to others and help guide him or her through that same thing. I am grateful GOD provides HIS plan for me and guides me through life’s experiences.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer appeal to the recipient?
• Have you ever had a difficult experience and came through it?
• What advice would you give people who are going through a similar situation?
• Will you take your life’s experiences and guide others to GOD today?

Reliability

Reliability

Titus 2: ⁹ Slaves are to submit themselves to their masters and please them in all things. They must not talk back to them ¹⁰ or steal from them. Instead, they must show that they are always good and faithful, so as to bring credit to the teaching about God our Savior in all they do.

 

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Ugh! I thought as I saw the word “slaves” again. But then I realized this was a term used by the writer as a voluntary action to repay debt or to gain payment. With that context of being an “employee” I remember stealing copies at work for doing my personal stuff. I also remember taking other office supplies and saying “This company makes billions. They won’t miss a couple of rubber bands and paperclips.” I then talked bad about several bosses I felt were underperforming.

 

• I justified my theft.
• I was taking their stuff and making it mine.
• I was involved in slander when I talked about other people.

 

Paul urged “slaves” to be reliable. He urged Titus to convince everyone to do the work as prescribed to be an example of our LORD and Savior in all they do.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to give my all when I work for someone.
• Whether I am employed or have my own business, I should be an example of GOD.
• Other employees or my customers need CHRIST too.

 

Being reliable is a mindset. I mean, jobs expect me to show up on time, do the work and manage stuff that is not mine in exchange for a paycheck. Sounds reasonable. But some people have taken advantage of other humans and not paid him or her fairly or at all. In this passage, I believe the writer was speaking about a job where pay was fair.

 

It helps me to understand the problem given to me to solve and to work to the best of my ability to solve that problem, reliably. Character is necessary because those who I work for cannot always be present. I gladly work for GOD in all I do.

 

Challenge

• How do you feel about the writer’s words?
• Have you ever worked on a job and justified your stealing or slander?
• Will you consider your work as an effort GOD sees and loves and rewards you for?

Boundless Freedom

Boundless Freedom

2 Timothy 2: ⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from death, who was a descendant of David, as is taught in the Good News I preach. ⁹ Because I preach the Good News, I suffer and I am even chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not in chains, ¹⁰ and so I endure everything for the sake of God's chosen people, in order that they too may obtain the salvation that comes through Christ Jesus and brings eternal glory.

 

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“I will never get out of this” were the words I said many times when I felt “stuck.” I felt that way in entering High School, college and jobs that had become stale. I felt stagnant and needed a change, but change was elusive and far away.

 

• I felt imprisoned.
• I felt like I was stuck and there was no way out of being stuck.
• I felt trapped with no way out.

 

Paul brings Timothy back to the main purpose of life. “Remember JESUS CHRIST” was his statement He then explained that even though he was imprisoned because of speaking about JESUS, the “word of GOD” could never be chained. For this reason Paul was able to endure his imprisonment.

 

My Observations

• My situation may make me feel stuck, BUT GOD’s word gives me hope.
• My circumstance may not be ideal, BUT GOD’s plan includes me so I give HIM praise.
• My present condition may make me think I am stuck, BUT GOD has an amazing way to use me in the middle of my blindness.

 

Seeing life through my eyes may make the future seem scary. I mean, if I look at past performance and future trials, I can get nervous and want things to change. When the situations don’t change fast enough, I feel stuck. BUT GOD wants me to see things differently.

 

HE wants me to know that HE is still in control and doing amazing things I cannot see or fathom. HE orchestrates many situations that shows HIS power and HIS promise. HIS word goes out to the world with full power and cannot be stopped. I am glad HE calls me to speak on HIS behalf, just like every believer in JESUS, and I know there is always someone who is free, when I “feel” stuck.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer feel remorse for being imprisoned?
• Have you ever felt stuck?
• Why or why not?
• Will you base your freedom on how powerful GOD’s word is and how it cannot be stopped and also know GOD is working on your situation today?

Invisible Slavery

 

Invisible Slavery

Colossians 3: ²² Slaves, obey your human masters in all things, not only when they are watching you because you want to gain their approval; but do it with a sincere heart because of your reverence for the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. ²⁴ Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master you serve. ²⁵ And all wrongdoers will be repaid for the wrong things they do, because God judges everyone by the same standard.

 

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Despising my job had become paramount in my life. When I punched out on Thursday night, my weekend was supposed to begin. Instead of relaxing, I groused that I needed to be back at work Sunday night. “I hate this job!” I thought to myself when I heard of stories of people having “fun” while I was working.

 

“Slaves” is a difficult word to get over and so is the word “master.” Humans have used these categories to debase people and force people to do “work” while they lived a life of luxury. When Paul wrote this letter, acceptable categories of “worker” did not exist. He told those who did the work to do it for CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• Greedy people will always want someone to work for them, BUT GOD sees my heart when I work for HIM.
• Title seekers want to be in control of the workforce, BUT GOD wants me to recognize CHRIST as the real “boss” who owns my life.
• Micromanagers may hover over my shoulder as I clean a toilet for work, BUT GOD wants all my heart and HE sees my work and rewards it when I give it to HIM.

 

Relabeling work to acceptable titles has made “slavery” invisible and acceptable. I mean, I despised being a janitor because of the hours away from “fun.” But when I got a “career” job I spent double the hours away from “fun.” My job had me in an invisible slavery that made me money and kept me from speaking about JESUS.

 

GOD despises hierarchies, especially those created to hold another human “down.’ HE sees injustice and has a plan to repay all who try to keep others from reaching HIS plan. CHRIST is the only leader who deserves to be bowed down to. I gladly give all my work to HIM.

 

Challenge

• What words form the writer jump out at you?
• Have you ever had a job you did not like and did it only for the money?
• Until GOD moves you to something else, will you consider dong your “work” for HIM?
• If you manage people, will you consider the fact that GOD is watching you and will repay you with how you treated HIS people?

New Employer

New Employer

Ephesians 6: ⁵ Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling; and do it with a sincere heart, as though you were serving Christ. ⁶ Do this not only when they are watching you, because you want to gain their approval; but with all your heart do what God wants, as slaves of Christ. ⁷ Do your work as slaves cheerfully, as though you served the Lord, and not merely human beings. ⁸ Remember that the Lord will reward each of us, whether slave or free, for the good work we do.

 

⁹ Masters, behave in the same way toward your slaves and stop using threats. Remember that you and your slaves belong to the same Master in heaven, who judges everyone by the same standard.

 

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Finding a bathroom that was seldom used, I went into a stall for a nap. It was a summer job and my responsibilities didn’t seem to matter. “So what if the copier was not full of paper?” I justified in my mind.

 

• I justified whatever action I wanted to do.
• I felt they would not miss me when I was goofing off.
• I still expected to be paid for the hours I was not working.

 

Paul addressed the workforce, which was no small topic. Some people had complaints about the work he or she was doing. Others complained about their employer. Some employers complained about their employees. Still others were taken into slavery against their will. What was the answer to this huge mess? Work for a new employer.

 

My Observations

• My mindset towards work should be focused on pleasing GOD.
• My zeal to be promoted should be tempered by doing what is pleasing to the LORD.
• My dislike for what I do for work should be filtered through GOD’s reward HE is storing up for me in heaven.

 

Involuntary slavery is abysmal and those who steal people for their personal gain should be reckoned with harshly by GOD. But what about voluntary slavery, also known as jobs? GOD wants employees and employers to see HIM in everything we do.

GOD is the answer to treating people fairly in the workforce. Unfortunately, inequity reigns supreme. A solution is to keep going by working for the LORD. HE sees when you are overlooked, underpaid and slighted. HE also sees when you take time and material for yourself that belongs to your employer, or when you mistreat employees. I am glad GOD “sees me” in all I do.

 

Challenge

• Is this passage hard to read?
• If you are an employee or an employer, what changes can you make based on your relationship to GOD?
• Will you seek equality and fairness, knowing GOD is watching and rewarding you for your attitude towards HIM versus trying to get ahead by pleasing humans today?

Scars of Life

 

Scars of Life

Galatians 6: ¹⁷ To conclude: let no one give me any more trouble, because the scars I have on my body show that I am the slave of Jesus.

 

¹⁸ May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, my friends. Amen.

 

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With tears in my eyes, I accepted CHRIST as my Savior. Afterwards, I was able to speak about HIM at a young age. But life happened. I grew up and became an adult. Broken pocket, Broken concentration and broken relationships left me scarred and wounded. Where was I to turn?

 

• Life dealt me many blows.
• Life wounded me and changed my words of praise.
• Life scarred me and I had a troubled heart.

 

Paul wrote this letter of love out of anguish. He had been beaten so badly for preaching about JESUS, that at one point, he could not even physically write. He had dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel of JESUS and faced extreme persecution. He concluded the letter by warning the readers not to report quarrels or troubles any longer, but to turn their lives to CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• When life scars me, GOD is there to give me grace.
• When my heart is troubled, the HOLY SPIRIT is there to give me comfort.
• When I fall to sin, JESUS is there to forgive me and cleanse me of all unrighteousness.

 

Life can be difficult at times. I mean, even when I am speaking about the love of GOD, the world seems to throw another dagger at my heart. BUT GOD is the remedy. HE loves me dearly and offers me a gift, namely JESUS. When I accept the gift, my wounds heal.

 

HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT inside me, which makes me see life differently. I now know there is an adversary who seeks to rob, kill and destroy any possession of GOD. Of course I will face persecution from the world that belongs to Satan. But this persecution is temporary. I am glad JESUS gives me and many others grace.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean by being a “slave of JESUS?”
• Have you felt anguish or persecution?
• Will you respond to trials with grace and peace instead of letting troubles keep you from praising GOD today?

Self-Worth

Self-Worth

1 Corinthians 7: ¹⁷ Each of you should go on living according to the Lord's gift to you, and as you were when God called you. This is the rule I teach in all the churches. ¹⁸ If a circumcised man has accepted God's call, he should not try to remove the marks of circumcision; if an uncircumcised man has accepted God's call, he should not get circumcised. ¹⁹ For whether or not a man is circumcised means nothing; what matters is to obey God's commandments. ²⁰ Each of you should remain as you were when you accepted God's call. ²¹ Were you a slave when God called you? Well, never mind; but if you have a chance to become free, use it. ²² For a slave who has been called by the Lord is the Lord's free person; in the same way a free person who has been called by Christ is his slave. ²³ God bought you for a price; so do not become slaves of people. ²⁴ My friends, each of you should remain in fellowship with God in the same condition that you were when you were called.

 

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After reaching a certain level, I was kind of proud of “my” accomplishments. But it wasn’t enough. I wanted to be the top in the industry at this particular company. Unfortunately, I ran into others who did not have the same feeling and I found myself searching for a new career. I felt dejected and low. “How am I going to start over?” “Who will value ‘my’ opinion?” I felt ashamed to be unemployed.

 

• At one time my self-worth was based on “my” title.
• At one time I judged others based on “their” title.
• At one time I valued what humans called “successful” and I placed all my time and effort in becoming what they needed me to become.

 

Paul explains that GOD has given each human a gift to be used for HIS purpose. GOD calls each human to do a marvelous work for HIM. The war, however, is waged on humanity against using these gifts. Instead, humans withhold resources in exchange for large prices, thus instituting a form of voluntary slavery, meanwhile keeping people from speaking about JESUS daily.

 

• GOD wants me to be free to speak about JESUS daily.
• GOD wants me to add self-control where I used to be free to sin.
• GOD wants me to place my self-worth in HIM rather than what humans think of me.

 

Valuing what JESUS did enables me to never become a slave to humans. I am not saying quit your job, rather revisit the value placed on the job. When my total self-worth is on material items and titles, I can quickly become enslaved by these things and worry ensues.

 

Placing my self-worth in the valuable price JESUS paid grows precious dividends in HIS kingdom. HE freely gives me people HE cherishes and provides food for me to give to HIS sheep. I am grateful I am free to speak about JESUS and I am governed by the self-control HE wants me to have.

 

• Do you feel trapped?
• Do you want to be free?
• Will you accept the freedom GOD wants you to have while remaining in fellowship with HIM by using your gift for HIM today?

It will be alright

 

It will be alright

Romans 7: ²¹ So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. ²² For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; ²³ but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. ²⁴ What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? ²⁵ Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

 

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

 

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“You have no skills” the recruiter said. “What do you mean?” I asked insulted. “Though you rose to a high level at your last company, you only have the skill for that company.” I found myself without a job, not being able to go back to the last one and seemingly, not being able to go to another. I felt despair.

 

• There have been times when there seemed like I had no answers.
• There have been times when the situation seemed difficult, no matter which way I turned.
• There have been times when I wondered if anyone cared.

 

Paul truly expresses the conflict that is inside of humans by getting personal. He cries out, “What a wretched man I am!” Paul, who used to be Saul, went around having people murdered, thinking he was eradicating those who were not “following” GOD. This horrible past would remain with him forever. How to move forward?

 

• GOD delivers me when the situation seems impossible.
• GOD shows me that HE cares for me no matter what my past looks like.
• GOD saved me from my past through JESUS CHRIST our LORD!

 

“Thanks be to GOD!” are words that brought me out of despair. I mean, when I listened to everyone else, things seemed impossible. But when I listened to GOD, all things were possible because I believe in JESUS. HE picked me up when no one else would. HE delivers me out of situations when it seems impossible. JESUS is my deliverer!

 

• Are you in a situation that seems hopeless?
• Do you place all of your trust in jobs or money and you have neither?
• Will you get hope by believing GOD loves you and JESUS will deliver you if you put your trust in HIM today?

Freed Indeed

Freed Indeed

John 8: ³¹ Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ³² And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

³³ They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”

³⁴ Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. ³⁵ And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. ³⁶ Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

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Discussing it with the person who sublet the apartment for the summer, I planned this particular sin. I did not want to be disturbed, so I asked for privacy. It was my first time doing this so my heart raced each time I thought of what I was getting into. Afterwards, it was all I could think of.

• Sometimes sin rules my thoughts.
• Sometimes sin guides my actions.
• Sometimes sin seems like a good idea, especially since “everyone else is doing it.”

JESUS told those who believed in HIM how to be free. “If you abide in MY word, you are MY disciples indeed.” Then HE said “You will know the truth and the truth will make you free.” “We have never been slaves”, they replied. “Sure you have… You are slaves to sin.”

• JESUS wants me to admit I am a slave to sin and I do not deserve to live with a sinless GOD.
• JESUS wants me to believe HE is the only cure for my sin because HE died as a sinless human and was raised from the dead, placed over everything as GOD.
• JESUS wants me to confess my sin willingly so HE would be willing to cleanse me of ALL sins.

Abiding in JESUS’s word sound constrictive, but it truly is freeing. I am now free to live without the burden of eternal separation from GOD. When I study HIS word, I find out what pleases and displeases GOD. No longer is HE such a mystery.

I can serve others and live my life with a purpose. I am free to speak about HIM and let people know JESUS is the only way to freedom. I am grateful HE has freed me indeed!

• What are you bound to?
• Is there something or things in your life you absolutely are not willing to let go of, that are not pleasing to GOD?
• Will you allow the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you to HIS purpose in JESUS today?

A slave to work

1 Corinthians 7: ²³ You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. ²⁴ Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.

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After a few months I realized this boss would be difficult to work with.  I usually absorb my bosses language and mannerisms the more I work with them but this time I noticed I couldn’t get to that comfortable state. His style was belligerent and harsh.  While I could stand toe to toe with him, I just didn’t feel like I should treat others that way but I considered it. “Maybe I was too soft”, I thought to myself.

• It is very tempting to conform to something outside of GOD because of my desire for power.
• It is very tempting to desire earthly status over GODLY status.
• It is very tempting to achieve wealth at any costs even if it means letting go of GOD.

Many times I get envious of the rich, powerful and successful. It seems like the people who seem like they could care less about GOD get the most out of life.  They seem to live lavish lives while I struggle to make ends meet. Should I become like them?

• GOD says to me “Do not become like this world.”
• GOD says to me “Follow ME and I will protect you.”
• GOD says to me “Work like you are working for ME and I will protect and provide for you.”

When I go to work and serve people like I’m serving GOD then my envy dissipates. I would be too busy focusing on what GOD wants me to be rather than trying to mimic people I don’t want to become. GOD gets excited when I remain “responsible” to HIM.

• Are you trying to become something outside of what GOD has made you?
• Do you feel like you are living two lives?
• Can you give up more and more of your life to GOD?