Freedom of Choice and People

There are those in this entrepreneurial, capitalist-based nation that can become a bit spoiled and somewhat self-indulgent as they enjoy the benefits of their hard-earned money.  Serous work ethics and the incessant time spent achieving certain goals and dreams made it possible.  But all Americans are not entrepreneurs.

Most people are blue collar workers trying earnestly to make ends meet.  And there are underprivileged recipients that receive a sum of money from the government or a public body to assist them.  At whatever level of success people find themselves in society, they have freedom of choice in America.

Without a doubt, the United States is the greatest nation on earth with regards to freedom of choice, which we are privileged to make each day without fear of retaliation from a dominant power of some kind.

I am thankful to God that the citizens of this great nation are not under a dictatorship form of government.  We are not dominated by a self-exalted dictator that rules with an iron fist, who is hellbent on achieving total power and uses suppression to rule the people.

We are a nation of free choice and with God’s help, we will maintain this freedom of choice.  Nor is this country a communist-led regime where property is publicly owned, and a person is paid according to their abilities and needs.

Americans refuse, through the process of free choice at the voting booth, to resist falling victim of socialism, that stifles individual capitalism.  We are blessed with freedom of speech; the privilege to vote the way we want; and able to worship as we please.

I am thankful for the Constitution of the United States.  This country declared its independence and freedom from Great Britain on July 4, 1776.  In God We Trust is the standing premise on which our founding fathers signed The Declaration of Independence.

This free country will keep giving and giving as long as self-serving people that want to change or discard the Constitution are kept at bay.  This Republic, under God, is unlike other countries around the globe.  We pride ourselves as being, The Land of the Free.

We need to keep the word ‘freedom’ fresh in our mind the next time we see someone less fortunate than ourselves digging through a garbage can looking for food.

It would be wonderful if every individual, across the land, could experience financial freedom, which would help nullify the stress level that accompanies not knowing where their next meal is coming from, or freedom from worry of how the bills are going to get paid.  These dear souls might need a helping hand from time to time.

We live in an affluent country of prosperity and plenty, yet it is easy for some people to become spoiled in well doing.  Anyone can develop a hoarding attitude if they fail to guard their mind against “possessive-intrusion.”

These people can also develop a selfish heart and find themselves in a self-made slump of a “me, myself, and I syndrome” where it becomes difficult for them to give away from themselves.

I have met people that have money in the bank and plenty of food on the table, but for whatever reason, their arms are always open to receive, charging ahead for just a little more.  What they have amassed is never enough.

These people tend to wear blinders, figuratively speaking, to prevent them from seeing the needs around them.  They persistently repel the guilt complex that accompanies wrong choices when they choose not to give away from themselves when a legitimate need becomes apparent.

I am reminded of a poor, widow woman, spoken of in the Bible.  (Luke 21:1-4)  She gave money into the treasury, which amounted to two mites, two small copper coins worth a few cents.  Compared to the other people that gave much from their abundance, her mere offering amounted to nothing in the eyes of the wealthy.

But there was a notable difference between the widow and the other givers.  Jesus, seeing what she did, said to his disciples that the poor widow put in more money than all those who gave to the treasury.  She, out of her poverty, put in all that she had, her whole livelihood, which could have bought the necessities of life. 

There are some people that maintain a tight grip, like a vise on steroids, grasping their possessions.  Perhaps they consider themselves above those having less income and look down on others in lower social circles than they.  People with means are sometimes prone to justify their lack of giving by saying, “Why should I help?  They need to get out there and work for what they want!” 

Yes, there are scammers on every corner it seems, and panhandlers lurking outside stores and businesses, but if God lays someone on our heart and it’s a strong impression to bless them with money, groceries, or words of encouragement, we need to adhere to what we feel in our heart is right.

Of course, it is our choice to consider God’s nudging or reject the notion and make up excuses for not doing what our conscience is telling us to do.  I believe when we simply give a cup of cold water to someone in the name of the Lord, we have done it unto God. 

Again, the choice is ours to make.  We must be wise as serpents and harmless as doves when dealing with people.  God gives us good judgement and we need to listen to His voice, while remaining in harmony with the Holy Spirit.  He directs our path.

(Psalm 37:23), “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” 

There is a scripture in the Bible that may step on a few toes when it is read.

(James 4:17), “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

The following scriptures will encourage your heart when it comes to giving.

(Acts 20:35), “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak.  And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

(Luke 6:38) “Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.  For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

For me, I choose to obey God’s Word.  I do not give to get, I give because it is the right thing to do, especially when I am prompted by the Holy Spirit to do something.

I want to have a pliable temperament, and not become resistant to my feelings, which ultimately affects my obedience as to whether I close my eyes or sear my conscience from having compassion.

It never fails when I give, it is inevitable that I receive blessings that I cannot contain.  I have learned that it is more blessed to give than to receive. 

An appreciative smile or seeing a tear roll down the cheek of a person I helped, or hearing words of gratitude expressed by a charitable organization I’ve supported is blessing enough for me.

I feel good inside when choosing to obey God when He lays something on my heart and then I do it.  Try it sometime.  You will reap the joy of giving as much or more than the person that received a helping hand.  It just works that way because God said it would in the Bible.

A person cannot outgive God.  His storehouse is full of blessings for those with compassionate hearts that put action to God’s prompting.  Yes, we all make choices as we walk this straight and narrow path to heaven.  Happiness and blessings come when we make the right choices.

Written by,

Papa Boyd