Before the Lord created the world, there was his Word, and the Lord took everything into consideration; how we should live, love, and care for one another; how to work and when to rest, and even how we should die; whether we are to war with one another or make peace; to plant or to harvest.
Today, we live in a world where the line between good and evil or right and wrong has become large, thick, and gray; however, the color gray does not exist in the Laws of Moses. Today, the roles of men and women have become blurred and many men and women have forgotten who they are and how they should behave. The line between adulthood and childhood has also become unclear.
Whether you have obtained a high position or not, whether you may have authority over many or only a few; everyone who has been given the gift of authority, is responsible for the well being of those whom they supervise, and ought to be mindful that they are also supervised by the Lord. And, just as they must answer to you; you will also be held accountable before the Lord, when he evaluates you on the Day of Judgment. Whether you may be a political or military leader, a member of the law enforcement, a city council member, or on the school board, a parent, a teacher, or a day care worker; if you have authority as a religious leader, a teacher of the law or a preacher, a shop keeper, a zoo keeper, or a farmer; we are each a guardian, responsible for someone/something else that belongs to the Lord. If the Lord has entrusted us to a position of authority, we will be held accountable for every action that we take toward them. Each of us must be responsible and behave according to the Word of God, to fear the Lord, and set an example for others. If we fall short of the Laws of Moses, then we will be judged accordingly.
You and Aaron shall record them by their groups, from the age of twenty years up, all those in Israel who are able to bear arms.
Numbers 1:3 (Torah)
Therefore, announce to the men, ‘Let anybody who is timid and fearful turn back, as a bird flies from Mount Gilead.
Judges 7:3 (Tanakh)
Jonathan said to the attendant who carried his arms, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf, for nothing prevents the LORD from winning a victory by many or by few.”
1 Samuel 14:6 (Tanakh)
Kings are not delivered by a large force; warriors are not saved by great strength; horses are a false hope for deliverance; for all their great power they provide no escape.
Psalms 33:16-17 (Tanakh)
Every nation that has fallen before us has fallen, because they were unmindful and disobedient of the Lord. Every nation became arrogant, full of pride, and confident in their strength. They became strong in numbers; forgetting that with the Lord, it just takes a few. The Lord lifted them up and then he crushed them. Today we have grown larger in number, because women have been admitted into the armed forces; a place where they do not belong. In the Word of God the Lord teaches us how to fight, and women were not meant to pick up arms. Women do not belong in the front lines of a battle zone. If women wish to serve, let them serve away from the front lines. There are so many roles available for a woman to serve, if she wishes to support her nation. Women were meant to be quieter, gentle creatures; the softer side of humanity. Consider this: How much more frequently do you hear a story about a woman who has behaved more violently today verses ten, twenty, or thirty years ago? The prisons have become overpopulated, because women behave more like men―aggressive and destructive. Today, the leaders of our country are more concerned about the body count, rather than the quality, when they select personnel for the armed forces. Too many military personnel are dying; because they are carelessly screened, poorly trained, and ill equipped. Some men are given the courage to fight and even to destroy; when it is necessary, but not everyone has the heart to kill another human being. It is not the number of personnel you have, but the quality of people you have that makes you strong. The book of Deuteronomy 20:5-9 and 24:5, describes the men who should be omitted from arms service.
Anyone who seeks a leadership role in politics or religion, for self serving purposes; without fearing the Lord, will be held accountable for the decisions they have made. You must fear the consequences of the actions you take; especially, when your actions compromise the safety of others whom you serve.
The rich rule the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender.
Proverbs 22:7 (Tanakh)
In the Word of God we are warned to avoid debt; otherwise, we will become weak like a servant. A government that shows no mercy or compassion toward its citizens, should be disciplined and maintain a well balanced budget of their own. You cannot operate in the red, owing others, when each household is expected to be balanced. We are a nation that prides itself for emulating Rome and like Rome; we will be short lived, if we do not turn from her ways.
Whether you are a political leader who creates the laws or a civil servant who enforces the law; if you disobey them, you will be judged. If you wink your eye at each other and avoid paying the same penalty or fines; when you break the very laws you expect other people to obey, you will be judged.
Some community leaders have created speed traps and use camera devices, in order to wrongfully entrap law abiding, taxpaying citizens, so that they can increase their revenue. They have justified their actions by using public safety as their defense. However, they set limits that are unreasonable and time lights making it difficult to obey the law. A person can easily break a minor law and then be charged an exorbitant fine, and this is unfair to the people whom they profess to serve. If you have accepted the responsibility of being a leader in your community; then you are required to keep a balanced budget, to be fair and reasonable, and to serve your community. Innocent citizens are paying high taxes in order to serve you, while they are living their lives imprisoned in their homes, automobiles, schools, and places of employment, because they live in fear of serious law breakers. If you are truly concerned about public safety, then focus on the real crimes that are being committed within your jurisdiction. If you truly care about the safety of your community; then stop using camera’s and start using police officers to stop the drivers who are speeding, so they can check the driver’s license and insurance, to make sure they are valid. Then at the same time, the law officer may discover that the driver is intoxicated. Perhaps the driver is transporting an unlawful substance or someone who does not even belong in their car; you may be saving someone’s life. A law officer may discover that the driver does not have a reason for being in your community; maybe, they do not even belong in the country. And because you took these precautions; the law officer might detect anything else that may be suspicious. As it is, the only information you have obtained is a picture of a driver, in a car, with a license plate that may or may not be valid.
If you have been chosen and given authority; try to remember that every person you are responsible for is like a child. Granted, some may be older and more capable than others; nonetheless, each person is looking toward you as a role model and for direction.
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Romans 13:6-7 (NIV)
There is a tax law that allows sole proprietors and partners of businesses to claim exemption from paying social security for themselves. If you are permitted to do so; please reconsider your exemption and begin paying all of your taxes, because in the Word of God we are taught to respect the elderly and to honor our parents. Today, many senior citizens have been forsaken and neglected by their family and the government. The money we pay to social security is spent today and dispersed to those who are in need. We owe this money to our parents and our grandparents, and to their brothers and sisters, who need our support. If you are a member of the clergy and you are exempt from paying taxes; please reconsider your exemption and volunteer to begin paying taxes as well, because we are all responsible to the Lord for our tithe (Numbers 18:26-29) and we each benefit from the land in which we live. Therefore, it is everyone’s responsibility to support those who manage our government. Each one of us must be careful and remain honest when we pay our taxes, because even if the government does not realize our insincerity―the Lord does.
“Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.”
Colossians 4:1 (NIV)
If you have employees that work for you, please take care of them, because they are your servants and may be likened unto your children. Do not abuse them and expect them to carry a load that is too difficult. It is important for everyone to be mindful of the Laws of Moses and remember the Sabbath day. Make sure that your employees have ample time to prepare for the holy day, and give them the Sabbath day off, so that we may all practice what we have been taught in the Word of God. Remember the Laws of Moses, as well as the laws of the government, who you submit to. Be honest in all of your business practices. Do not shortchange someone what is due to them. All too often today, the bottom line has become the most relevant factor when measuring the success of a business. Too many businesses operate with a short staff, and if someone becomes ill or must miss a day, this places a greater burden on others. This destroys your reputation and deteriorates the quality of productivity.
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
Colossians 3:22-25 (NIV)
If you are an employee, try to remember that you are a servant to the one who pays you, as well as to the Lord. Do not speak ill of the one who pays you, because they are your livelihood. An honest employer has many responsibilities to you, as well as to the government. A large expense is required to remain in operation that not everyone can appreciate. Be mindful of the work you do, be honest, and carry an even load. Please do not be lazy and expect someone else to do your work, for you.
We need to be mindful of everyone around us. If we have been lifted up, we should try not to flaunt our wealth in front of others. There are so many people who are struggling, wondering how they will make it through the day or through the next pay period. The world is filled with people who go to bed cold and hungry. We need to remember that just as many nations before us have been lifted up and humbled, we can be too. And, just as the stars in the heavens can shine one evening, the next night they can fade away.
I encourage parents who have wealth and influence, to have their children work as waiters or waitresses, servers, or cashiers; so that they may learn how to appreciate and treat the general population. Too many adults have forgotten what it is like to work hard for minimum wage and they treat this population poorly and unfortunately―too many children behave like their parents do today.
Most people have at one time or another became proud of themselves. Taking for granted that without the Lord; we do not have the strength to turn in our bed, let alone rise from it; to bring a spoon to our mouth for nourishment, let alone, prepare the food that is before us. The Spirit of the Lord is the air we breathe and the strength we receive. Each accomplishment we make, everything we acquire, comes from the Lord. The Lord feels great joy when we remember this and take the time to show him our gratitude in praise, thanksgiving, and paying our tithe.
In the Word of God, we are required to obey the Laws of Moses, as well as the laws that have been created by humanity. That is, as long as the laws of the land will not compromise the laws in the Word of God. If you are a person who has entered a country illegally and you do not support the government or the system created by them and have placed a heavier burden on law abiding, taxpaying citizens; you may have escaped the judicial systems notice, but you have not escaped the Lord’s.
Today, all too often, we behave like thoughtless children, who are ungrateful and never satisfied. We have become puffed up in pride and self righteousness; without truly realizing how unrighteous we really are. And now the Lord is about to prove himself to humanity by humbling us all. Please take the time to re-examine your heart and behavior and place your house in order; before the Lord reclaims the gifts that you have been given, and gives them to someone else.
Try to outdo one another in kindness and remember the golden rule: “Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.” Use the golden words, please and thank you or may I, instead of being impolite and demanding. Accept your errors; take responsibility for your actions, and quick to apologize. The words we choose to use can slice a person’s heart as easily as a knife, so please be mindful and be kind.
