Servants - Slavery

There is a general mentality that tends to go with our economic standing.  I have known a few members of the 1 Percent, and their focus as well as their attitude is quite apparent, as well as a few upper 98%, who demonstrate their affluence as well.  I've also known many "wanna bes" and that's just sad.  I cannot imagine spending my life in want . . .

Unlike some examples of slavery in history, we do have a choice.  The problem many are overlooking is the attitude of entitlement, here in America, is actually the foundation for slavery, and was in ancient Egypt as well.  We know, even with the promise of the Promised Land, the Israelites murmured and complained about how good they had it, as slaves in Egypt.  Of course, they murmured and complained about the slavery in Egypt at the time they were there, so the theme seems to be, murmuring and complaining causes even the chosen people to miss the promise!

I compare our circumstances to ancient Egypt for many reasons.  Americans do consider themselves to be entitled.  Seems all I hear these days are "I paid into it or I pay taxes, so . . ."  I'm not disagreeing with the premise, I'm just making the observation that dependency can slip into captivity and slavery, and I'm not sure we'll recognize when that happens.  I'm so unsure of recognizing it, I wonder if it has already happened for many, if not all of us.  The simple reality is, America is in hock well beyond what any of us can even imagine, and whether or not we personally own our home, own our land, cars whatever; when the note comes due, I have no idea if the "new landlords" will honor an American deed or title.

I do know our Heavenly Father has promised to meet the needs of His children.  To be honest, as an American, I'm not completely clear on the line between "need" and "think I need;" myself.  As I seek a more G-dly life, my lifestyle continues to change.  My desires, even my taste has changed.  I am still very creative and I like things to be pretty, but practical and utilitarian are absolute priorities.  My creativity is now geared toward more practical matters and improvisational skills.  It feels good!  I like effective and efficient, I pray that when I get up in the morning, that my day would be both.  Then at the end of the day, I can thank Him for an accomplished day!

We are all going to be servants to a master.  The list of masters can be anything from an addiction to another person, to officials, to money.  Dependency and hunger were the factors in ancient Egypt, and those are obviously factors now in America.  When provision comes from a government, those who are provided for, will be enslaved to the master making the provision.

I prefer serving the Creator of the universe.  He is a merciful Master.  Now, to see that I'm not murmuring or complaining . . .