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The Negative Example

by Jerry Ousley  
5/22/2015 / Christian Living

In our modern era of capitalism our number one goal has become making money. It is the source of many crimes, both legal and illegal. By "legal crimes" I am refering to situations that might not be morally right but are perfectly legal. For instance, in our staggering world economy a great number of companies have been forced to lay people off. They just can't afford the expense any longer. There have been tragic results because of this and I completely understand why they have to do that, but why do so many wait until the end of the year? They let the situation linger on until just before Christmas when many of us have the greatest expense, then give the announcement that our services are no longer needed. Why couldn't they have done that earlier in the year or at least wait until the holiday is over? Because they know that they will have to pay promised bonuses and holiday pay. Some folks have saved their vacation time until the last couple of weeks of December and many companies have the policy that if you are let go or leave before vacation has been used, then it is simply lost. It takes a minimum of two weeks for unemployment to "kick in" and so the company saves all that money making their bottom line look better at the end of the year. This practice is legal, but it takes a huge toll on people's individual budget and in my opinion is a legalized crime.

Not just in the United States, but in many nations around the world, money has become the new god. We are measured in our social standing by how much of it we make. We are classified into three groups, the poor, the rich and the middle class (although this class is quickly disappearing) judged on our annual income. While I am well aware that we have to have an income to make it in this world, why is our success judged by numbers and dollars?

True and lasting success can only come from a life that reflects joy, peace and happiness. I know of many who are considered successful in life because they've made a boat load of money but they are not happy people. There is no joy in their lives or peace in their homes.

One day Deb and I took our then two year old granddaughter to the park. We spent the day pushing her on her tricycle (because her feet didn't quite reach the pedals yet), helping her on the swing, watching her go down the slide, walking through the woods and just having fun. By the end of the day my legs were sore from all that exercise. I hadn't made a dime that day because we had spent it with her. I think all three of us were worn out when it came to an end and we took her home. I paid for it that evening with aching muscles and painful joints (but that's my fault for not getting enough exercise) but folks, I count that as one of the most successful days I've spent so far this year because it brought us all closer together. It was on our 33rd anniversary (I can't believe Debbie has put up with me this long) but I can't think of a better way we could have spent it because we shared it with that precious little girl.

In Ephesians 3:18-19 Paul said, "For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shamewho set their mind on earthly things." He was writing about those who put their trust in earthly things and practices rather than in the hope of God. To be a successful Christian we must first and always put our trust in Jesus Christ. Yes we've got to make a living to survive. I understand that. But somehow, someway, we must figure out how we can do this without falling into the trap of this age. We must consciously put our Lord first in all our business dealings. We've got to realize each and every day that while we labor on this earth, it is not our permanent home.

Jesus had proclaimed Himself to be a king, even though He had also plainly said that His kingdom was not of this world. For that He was considered a dangerous enemy and threat, not only to the Jewish leaders but also to the control of the Roman Government. His gospel threatened the economic system the Pharisees had set up. And because of it He was crucified. But He beat the system because He arose. Because of His sacrifice and victory, we can have the same thing if we will only trust and believe in Him. Forsake the world. Don't be a part of the trap but instead join this spiritual kingdom and you won't fall prey to this negative example.

Jerry D. Ousley is the author of ?Soul Challenge?, ?Soul Journey?, ?Ordeal?, ?The Spirit Bread Daily Devotional and his first novel ?The Shoe Tree.? Visit our website at spiritbread.com to download these and more completely free of charge.

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