Day 258

Am I my brother’s keeper? This millennia-old question plagues humanity with the concept of “My freedom ends where yours begins.” The initial understanding is that my specific choices should not impede your liberties or cause harm to you. If we were to truly live under this statement of rational ambiguity (seems like an oxymoron, but give me a chance to weed this out) the world would be a completely different place. This isn’t about “Maskers” vs “Anti-Maskers” or “Liberals vs Conservatives” this isn’t even about “Democrats vs Republicans” although that is the highlight of this polarized society. This is about “Human vs Human.” And the fact that we have had thousands of years on this planet, but we still cannot figure out the basic building blocks needed to learn how to live with each other without hurting one another. I say we have failed, not just as a nation (I am an American. Whose ancestors were enslaved in the Americas by other human beings, and still live in the shadow of their shame, of both the freed and the once enslaved). We have failed as a global institution from our very foundations within society, which have created this disproportionate and hidden in plain sight, world caste system, where we want to believe that we are genuinely good people, but ignore the plight of others. Is there any hope for us?

I’m sure that’s the question that rang through Adam and Eve’s mind when they found themselves in a cursed world (Genesis 3:17-18) due to their choices. Their freedoms had impeded upon the entire globe and set things in motion that would only end in destruction and death. Yet God came down and spoke faith and hope into their hearts. Yes, things would be difficult, now that they had broken the eternal covenant, which held all things in balance. Life would be unfair, and painful, disappointing, and filled with regret, because of their choice. And their decision to walk out of the covenant would bring such havoc to their descendants, that the only way to address this problem, would be from the inside out. So God looked towards a time where: No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be within the city…” Revelation 22:3.

But for this “curse”, which we discussed brings about pure demonic chaos, to be eradicated from humanity, something needed to occur: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Galatians 3:13. And how could God, pray tell, redeem us by becoming this curse for us? The Bible also has an answer for us: Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13. The answer is Love. And love is the fulfillment of the law: for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” Romans 13:8. Our first parents failed to fulfill the law, which brought us to this terrible spiral that God had to rescue us from. The spiral which their first son perfected when he killed his brothers because he dared to boldly cross the line where “my freedom ends where yours begins.” And that line being crossed ended up in the blood being spilled before God and man.

And when that blood was spilled, he did not have remorse for the life which he took. The future generations which he silenced to drown out the voices in his head of inadequacy. He did not feel bad that he took what God never ordained him to have, he took what only God could give, life. And when God tried to give him the space he needed to reclaim his humanity, he spat out a retort that would be echoed in the minds of oppressors for generations: Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” Genesis 4:9. For every oppressive regime that has reigned on this earth, God asks the same question “Where is __ your brother?” And each time those who refuse to admit they’re wrongdoing, respond “…am I my brother’s keeper?” God, the King of kings seems to think so: “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” Matthew 25:40.

Every rape, molestation, attack, white-collar crime, enslavement, abuse, genocide, holocaust, every single violation against your brother who is your fellow human being, will one day come to light: But if you fail to keep your word, then you will have sinned against the LORD, and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23. The rational ambiguity of freedom means that you have the privilege to live life to the fullest, without limitations up to the point where it does not violate the well being of another person, your brother or sister in this human family. The moment you cross that line, God will ask you that simple question, and you have the opportunity to say that I am sorry, I will do better and that “Yes, I am my brother’s, sister’s, neighbor’s keeper.”

Day 188

There’s a musical artist who goes by the name John Legend. In 2013 he released the song entitled “All of Me.” In the music video, he sings the song with his wife present as his “muse.” The song is a very romantic type ballad that focuses on each individual party giving their all to the other. So it had me thinking, have you ever loved someone so much that you were willing to give them yourself, or give up anything it took to be with them? I mean anything. Would you be willing to give up your independence? I ask, because when you enter into a relationship with someone, and the goal is to be faithful, you close yourself off from others in order to be with just one. This is one way in which you show your love. So within the freedom to love someone, there are limitations that are self-imposed, because love without action does not exist.

We know that God gave because He loved us. And He gave all. Essentially He sang “I give My all to you” as the lyrics of John Legend’s song states. But the other half of that verse is: You give your all to me.” And I think that is where we stumble in our relationships. Of course, God gives His all to us! We know this through the sacrifice of Jesus. But for us to give our all to Him? We usually have stipulations. Now it really shouldn’t be that way, because He is the One that has more to lose by attaching Himself to creaturs that are fickle and filled with sinful and lustful desires. That say we love Him but hate our brethren. How can the two reconcile? The Bible says that it cannot: If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” 1 John 4:20.

Can you imagine someone sitting in church listening to a sermon and the Reverend is quoting from Matthew 22: Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40. That you say “Amen” to that verse, say goodbye to the church members and then go home and whip or rape your neighbour, who you happen to “own” on your plantation. I mean the ideology is absolutely insane!

But you consider yourself a good Christian, an apt follower of Christ? How is that possible? How could you sit in your church pew that was probably built by slaves and think that somehow God would be okay with you dismantling the lives of others in order to remain comfortable in yours? The chickens of America’s past are coming come to roost, and they are angry and fed up. And what many people do not know, is that in order to keep people enslaved, meant you had to destroy an idea of freedom. In 1804 the once enslaved people of Haiti had become the ONLY successful slave rebellion in history in the western hemisphere. When the people of Haiti proved that Black people could unite and demand and fight for their freedom, America stepped in to punish them for their attempt to be seen as human: Western policies have been punishing Haiti ever since for winning its independence” (Cinicinnati.com).

And you may ask yourself, why? Why punish people for wanting to be free? When the colonists cried out “Taxation without Representation” to England as a high crime, they still had a country where they limited all freedoms to other human beings who cried for “Freedom”. Listen to what Professor Bogues states was the central problem for the White Western world when the Haitians gained their independence: “The problem was not politics or commerce. The central issue was the not to have the specter of blacks ruling themselves,” said Barrymore Bogues, professor of Africana Studies and director of the Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice at Brown University. “The fragile example of ex-slaves ruling themselves, the Western powers had to make sure it failed.” (Cinicinnati.com).

I won’t get into how the United States illegally aided the French into bankrupting the newly formed country of freed people and has stifled its growth since it’s inception, you can look that up for yourself. But it was important for me to share with you that it was a “Christian” nation that did all these terrible things to others. And just because you claim to be one thing, if you do not act like it, you are a liar. Also, the government of mankind looks nothing like the government of God. The God of love, who gave ALL of Himself for you and for me. He created ALL people free and from one blood (Acts 17) and He shed His blood for ALL people. When we think that we can continue to live life unbothered by the pain surrounding us, we cannot have an honest relationship with the Creator and giver of Life. You cannot call yourself a Christian. Jesus gave up His life so that you and I would be free from the chains of death which enslave us to sin. What are you willing to give up for Him? Can you give some of your time to help those in need? Can you give your money to aid those who have been systematically oppressed? Can you give your voice to those who have been silenced? Can you give your love, which requires action, to the least of these; and in turn give your all to Him? I’m sure you can, but will you?

Day 183

Today I learned so much information that could have shaped my life in a different manner. And it made me think of the power of education. Education IS power, and that is perhaps one of the reasons why White America denied it to their Black brothers and sisters. Well after all they claim that they are a Christian nation. But a little lie in a bucket of truth leads to confusion, and that is what the enemy moves to do. In a few short days, there will be celebrations of the independence of this country from British rule. All the while they fought for the freedom for themselves, it was not extended to those who they had enslaved themselves. And the more I read, the more I learn that false ideologies constructed from the pits of hell had been infiltrated into the minds of people, to make them fear those who looked different from them.

The Bible states that we wrestle not with flesh and blood. Meaning the main battle or fight that we go through every day, is not with our brothers and sisters, regardless of ethnicity or color. But the actual Biblical text tells us that: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12. I like the ESV way of stating this reality. There is a general who does not sleep, and who works tirelessly to make sure that we are miseducated when it comes to the image of God. Genesis 1:26 states that God made mankind in His image. But if we were to unite, as the 120 individuals in the beginning of the book of Acts, regardless of our color or creed, can you imagine the power we could have over the enemy’s territory?!

That through our unification in the TRUTH of God, that the Holy Spirit would fill us with light that would overtake the darkness! But what stops us from moving forward and loving each other the way God, the way that Jesus has instructed us? We are miseducated. The entire body of Christ needs to go back to school. Needs to beg the Lord to empty us of self, and to remove the demons of prejudice from our hearts and minds. And I say demons because that is exactly what it is.

Have you ever read the story that occurred in Luke chapter 4? I mean once you get past the temptations of Jesus by the devil, and then Jesus declaring Himself as the Messiah, and of course, past the people angry that He declared from the scriptures who He was, there is an account that might shock you. So Jesus went to Galilee and He was teaching on the Sabbath, as was His custom because He created it as a gift to man to abide in peace and joy while they delight in the presence of God. Well, while He was teaching about the kingdom of God this happens: And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice” Luke 4:33.

Yes, you read that correctly. In the church, there was a demon-possessed man, who was so comfortable in his regular pew and had no issue showing up to church every weekend. Now in the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon stated that there is nothing new under the sun. And if it happened there in the face of the Son of God, do you think it has been happening at your congregation or your place of worship? Of course, it has. Because the demon only cried out because the presence of God was there. And light and darkness cannot dwell in unison. And we know where demons have been because they always leave a wake of chaos in their path. You know that demons are members in your church when there aren’t new followers of Christ filling the pews. Or that gossip is more important than the truth, or that a fish fry is more attended than prayer meeting, or that your church is primarily one color of people because the other people worship differently.

You know that you’ve been infiltrated by the powers of darkness when you do not feel any sympathy or compassion for those who are hurting, and you think it is none of your business. Or that there is anger towards the people instead of the problem. Because if we took the word of God for what it says: we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places;” then we would be fighting on our knees and asking God to step in and do something. We would be motivated to spread the gospel of God and dispel the lies and the rumors of the enemy that we are NOT equal before the foot of the cross, that one color is better than the other.

Those are all demon theologies. And I could be silent and stop talking about race and the disparities that occur all around us, but then I would not be speaking present truth. God holds us to a different standard than the ones we have lowered to make ourselves comfortable. And this devotional is entitled “My Relationship with Him” and within that context, I am responsible for my brethren, regardless of the color of their skin. But just as Jesus said He came to those who needed a doctor, because those who are well do not need Him (Matthew 2:17). I will follow in His footsteps and speak up for those whose voices have been silenced or have been oppressed, because if I do not: But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak. For by your words [reflecting your spiritual condition] you will be justified and acquitted of the guilt of sin; and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.” The more you know of the truth, the more you can grow in it. My prayer for you is that you search your heart and seek the true freedom found only in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Because who the Son sets free, is free indeed (John 8:36). Now that’s a celebration I can get behind.

Day 179

When you go to purchase a home or rent an apartment you are typically required to remit a down payment or a security deposit. This provides surety for the asset one is attempting to acquire. This is not a new way of conducting business transactions. Two thousand years ago, God also placed a down payment on your life. But it did not cost Him a fraction or percentage of what He desired, instead, it cost Him everything. God gave up His life as the most incomprehensibly priceless down payment just so you and I can have eternal life. And the down payment is non-refundable. So, my question is: how invested do you think Jesus is in you?

We live in a world that is not going to last much longer. And excentric billionaires know this. Because they have dedicated an unprecedented amount of their own money to the next frontier, space. The way that human beings’ greed have mined the planet of its’ natural resources, how we have abused the home God gave us, speaks volumes of the mistreatment of the gifts of God. Paul speaks of another gift, in Ephesians chapter 2. Here he tells us: For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Eph. 2:8-10.

Paul tells us that we have been saved, or that salvation has been purchased for us, through the death of Jesus. And the text states that it is nothing of your own doing, it is a gift of God. One of the ways that Americans acquire wealth is through homeownership. Families would pass their homes to their children. And their children’s children. By then, the home would have been paid off and the recipient of the home would have started life without having to pay off one of the greatest debts in society, they would have a home free and clear. And there was nothing that they did to deserve it or work for it. Now this beautiful story was really only applicable to white or caucasian Americans. Because the United States government instituted and perpetuated poverty and segregation of Black Americans. You can read the 2017 NPR segment entitled: A ‘Forgotten History’ of How the U.S. Government Segregated America,” for yourself and see how the government through their laws and banks purposefully “redlined” neighborhoods which contained Black Americans in them.

But Paul tells us in Ephesians that there is no separation of grace for those who are Black or White, or for Jew or Gentile. In fact, he says: For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone” Eph. 2:18-20. For a nation stating “In God, we trust” we certainly have not lived like it. When politicians state “God bless America” they were not including the ones who worked to build it, but the ones who were profiting from the backs of free forced labor. I know that I am blessed to be an American, and I thank God that I was born in a country who in its writings and foundation agreed that all men are created equal. But in practice are unable to uphold its beautiful scripted words. Thomas Jefferson, who quite eloquently penned the majority of the Declaration of Independence, owned almost 1000 slaves. He who became the third president of the nation he helped form, could not abide by the words that he wrote.

Thomas Jefferson was quoted stating that slavery was: a “moral depravity” and “a hideous blot,” but continued to hold human beings as property his entire adult life” (Monticello). And although Mr. Jefferson spoke a good game, he could not will himself to walk the talk. And the reality is that America has never been able to either. But you know who can walk the talk, and did so when He literally walked and talked here on earth? You guessed it, the ONE who sacrificed His life for you. The One placed that downpayment so that you could have eternal life. You can believe Him because “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” Numbers 23:19.

And He wants you to be a part of Him, His life, His legacy, regardless of the color of your skin, or your gender. You are priceless to Him. And for those of us that were blocked from the ability to acquire wealth or have decent homes because of the color of our skin, Jesus says: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3. He wants you with Him. Jesus has invested too much into you to lose you. This world may not be able to see your true wealth or your worth, but to God, you are priceless, because that’s what you cost Him. And if no one has told you in a while, it’s important that you know that you are loved. And you can take that to the bank.

Day 152

Today I had to compose a letter to my students, letting them know that we will abide by the mandated curfew imposed by our local governments. But I also had to tell them that they are not mandated to remain silent. Instead, I urged them to use their voice to cry for the oppressed in a manner that uplifts and not destroys. Chaos is chaos no matter what the underlying issue has set it off. And I can’t help but wonder, was it this type of chaotic mess with clearly murderous intent that God saw in Genesis chapter 6 which led Him to step in before the human race destroyed themselves?

I witnessed police officers dragging college students out of their cars after they had used stun guns and terrorized them while shattering their car windows. I saw several armed police officers shove people and kick them while they were down. A child no more than 10 years old was pepper-sprayed by another police officer, and a young protestor who had his hands up in the air and a mask on was violated by a police officer, unevoked. Those who have been trained to protect are now terrorizing and destroying their fellow neighbor’s lives.

In Luke chapter 10 Jesus, who in all accounts could be considered a radical protestor in His day, was being asked by one of the religious lawyers who specialized in the Mosaic law, this question: Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 10:25. Of course, the lawyer was using this question as a baseline to see what Jesus’ understanding of the law was (although Jesus was the ONE who gave the law). Jesus responded in a way that no one would have thought, He turned the question back to the lawyer (Brilliant!): Jesus said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he replied, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:26,27. Jesus tells the man: You have answered correctly; do this habitually and you will live” with the implication being to obtain eternal life (Luke 10:28).

The context of the passage was “Eternal Life.” And Jesus said the way you get to live eternally is to keep the Law which is eternal. Psalm 119:11 states: Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” This verse is the key. If the word of God is eternal as it is a reflection of God: so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.” Isaiah 55:11. This is the same mouth that spoke the Universe into being (Genesis 1, John 1, Hebrews 1). The author in Psalm 119 is crying out that they have hidden the word of God in their heart, so they might not sin against God. Sin is the transgression or the breaking of the law (1 John 3:4). So if we do not love the Lord God with all that we have and are, and our neighbor as yourself, the Bible says that we are sinning. And sinning against the character of God, which is Love, means death (Romans 6:23).

The book of James tells us if we break one commandment then we are guilty of breaking all of them (James 2:10). Meaning you can’t keep half of the law. You cannot “love God” with your everything if you hate your neighbor, and the reverse is true. So the question remains, “Who is my neighbor?” Believe it or not, that was the same question that the lawyer asked Jesus. And to answer that question, Jesus tells a parable in the hearing of all those who gathered to hear Him. The story is called the “Good Samaritan.” A very popular story that has been told now for centuries. But at the end of the story, in order to answer the question of “who is my neighbor,” Jesus asked the lawyer, which one was considered to be and behave as a neighbor. This is what the man answered: The one who showed compassion and mercy to him.” Luke 10:37.

He could not bring himself to admit that the one who did the best thing was also a part of the ethnicity of people that he believed he was far superior to. And there was no way he was going to give the man the due praise, even in an allegorical story. Jesus did not shame him or “set him straight” only told him to “Go and constantly do the same.” Luke 10:37. What is so amazing yet frustrating with Jesus, is how He tells the man, who clearly had no desire to show mercy on those he did not socialize with to constantly show mercy and compassion towards them.

And if God is the same and does not change (Malachi 3:6), I wonder if He expects us to also “Go and constantly do the same,” even when our hearts can barely stop crying, and our minds are reeling from the damaged done towards us from those who have sworn to protect and serve us. Jesus is saying, Yes, Go, and constantly do the same. My worry is what if I can’t? He tells me: Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6.

Day 151

Tonight’s devotional will not be long. But I hope that the truth of this topic penetrates deep in your soul.

Today I watched news clip after clip of anger, frustration, and hopelessness be acted out in protest outlined with an inferno of rage. People have been locked up in their homes for months due to a disease that has ravaged the world, families who have lived paycheck to paycheck for over a generation are now furloughed and unable to feed their families or take care of their basic necessities, and then with no end in sight to get back to normal, in broad daylight a man is murdered on the streets of America by those who have been sworn to protect and serve, their victim. And so the straw that broke the camel’s back has also burned the streets of America.

I suffer from stifling tears as I watched the video that shocked the world, but not my reality. Being Black and living in a country that has always seen you as a 3rd class citizen, is devastatingly painful. Knowing that you will never be good enough or White enough to fit into the portion of society where safety is not hoped and prayed for, but a part of everyday life. And I pray and ask God “WHAT ARE WE TO DO?” And this is what He has to say:
He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion),
And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?” – Micha 6:8.

How am I to do that in this world? To do what You require of me by being just, love kindness and mercy, and to walk humbly before you? He says through His word:
Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’
“If you take away the yoke from your midst,
The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
If you extend your soul to the hungry
And satisfy the afflicted soul,
Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,
And your darkness shall be as the noonday.
The Lord will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. – Isaiah 58:6-11.

What about those who do not practice this but call themselves followers of Christ! About those who keep silent when the oppressed cry out? God tells me:
Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day [when I judge them], ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and driven out demons in Your name, and done many miracles in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them publicly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me [you are banished from My presence], you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands].’” – Matthew 7:21-23.

What about in the meantime? What about the pain and suffering. What are we to do about that? The righteous anger that burns in our hearts? What about that God?
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.” Romans 12:19.

So I will trust you because You have said that You will take care of it. So, Jesus, I’m waiting, we’re all waiting on You.

Day 148

When I was probably in the sixth grade, my father received a call from one of the teachers from my school. She was calling to tell him that I had stolen a bag of candy from her. My father was very irate and told her that his daughter would never steal! When he came into my room, sure enough, there was the bag of jelly beans on the floor peaking out of my purse. He was shocked. How could I have done it! The bag wasn’t even opened. He told me “If you wanted candy, why didn’t you just ask me?!” How could I explain to him that I hated jelly beans? That I stole the candy because the teacher was using it as a reward mechanism to give a few to all the  “good” students, and for the life of me, I was never considered a “good” student. How do I explain to him that she pointed me out as a “gang” leader because I wore a bandana to school because my hair wasn’t done? Or how she would tell the students not to be “Sassy like Cassy” (once again that’s not how I spelled my name). My dad did not want to hear the reasons as to why I stole the candy, because wrong is wrong. And 24 years later, he’s still right. I felt as if I had been wronged, and the way I felt like vindicating myself was to commit another wrong. I know we’ve heard that “two wrongs don’t make a right”, but at that moment it felt good to take something from her that she was using to patronize me. Regardless of how it felt, it marked my character in the eyes of my dad and in the eyes of others. The eighth commandment is quite simple: Thou shalt not steal.” Exodus 20:15.

The reality is stealing happens to be a moral problem that wreaks havoc in the lives of people, which effects may last generations. What if I had not been caught, and my father made me apologize to that woman, who may have been underlying racist? She believed that the Black children at school would make excellent maids and housekeepers when we grew up. She told that to the mother of one of my friends. She ended up taking her kids out of the school. But what if stealing had become a habit for me? And I got really good at taking things that did not belong to me, justifying my habits along the way? People steal for all sorts of reasons, but none of them are justifiable.

In an ethics class that I had in college, my professor gave us the scenario of a man who had lost his job because of layoffs. His wife was sick, and his children were starving. He had an opportunity to take a loaf of bread from a bakery. The first question was asked: Should he take it. The second question was: If the answer was yes to the first question, was he wrong for taking the bread. I’ll let you think about that for a moment… I answered of course he should take the bread! And so did the majority of the class. But our professor pointed out that wrong is wrong, no matter what the consequences surrounding the situation may be. He asked, what about the next day, and the day after that, would he have to keep stealing bread? What if he got caught? Who would take care of the children then? I thought of that answer. And remembered a passage in the Bible: I once was young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread.” Psalm 37:25. But I’ve been hungry. So hungry that I ended up getting sick (see Day 120). But I did get food from the most unlikely of sources, and I did not have to steal to make that happen.

But this poses a legitimate concern, is okay to take what isn’t yours to fulfill a need? The moral answer is no. When the Americas needed people to work their land, for free, they stole the lives, lineage, and legacy of millions of people from a continent to fulfill their bidding, and had the nerve to use the Bible to right their wrong. Or how about when Bernie Madoff defrauded people out of billions of dollars? Or when we don’t return a faithful tithe to God? I bet you didn’t see that coming.

In the book of Malachi God has a conversation with the children of Israel who have been keeping something that did not belong to them: “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings [you have withheld].” Malachi 3:8. Did you know that one-tenth of what we make belongs to God? This does not include gifts, but it involves your paycheck. The government automatically takes a percentage from you without your permission. God wants a partnership with you. He wants you to give the 10% willingly. Why? Well, that 10% goes out to help others. In my religious affiliation, it goes to fund those who preach the good news throughout the world and to provide services for the less fortunate. The first mention of tithe giving in the Bible is found, well of course in the beginning, in Genesis: Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.” Genesis 14:20.

Melchizedek being a high priest of God, received the free will tithe and used it to glorify God. How exactly do we do that? Well according to God: To undo the bonds of wickedness, To tear to pieces the ropes of the yoke, To let the oppressed go free And break apart every [enslaving] yoke? “Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry
And bring the homeless poor into the house; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not to hide yourself from [the needs of] your own flesh and blood?” Isaiah 58:6,7.

God made us so that we would be loving and kind and giving. When we take what does not belong to us, that forms scars on our character which ends up hardening our hearts. And we then have the tendency to take whatever we want, regardless of how it affects other people. This is the ONLY reason we have socioeconomic disparities in the world. This is why we have entire populations starving, while governments pay farmers not to grow food in order to control the market and stock prices. It all stems from the breaking of one little commandment: Thou shalt not steal.” Believe it or not, God claims in His word that He pours out blessings on those who are selfless and give rather than take (Malachi 3:10,11; Isaiah 58:8-12). He gave His life for us (John 3:16), the least we can do is find a way to give back, and listen to His advice, His pleading, His command: Don’t take what isn’t yours.