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[–]In-the-clouds 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (2 children)

We were born not knowing anything, without recollecting any of the past, and we were born into mental or spiritual slavery. And who is the master? Whoever you serve is your master. Common masters include worldly wealth, pride, vanity, drunkenness, fornication, lust.... If you go against your conscience, which tells you what is right and wrong, then your God-given conscience is no longer your master. If you obey your sin instead, and work to fulfill the lusts of your sin, then sin is your master. And our adversary knows how to entice us or tempt us to stay in our sins.... to stay in bondage. Only few break free.

The world is on the broad path that leads to destruction. But in your walk of life you encounter messengers sent to you to try to convince you to get off the broad path and take the narrow path. The narrow path has a steep climb, but do not let that discourage you. The path leads to a higher elevation where there is light, joy, peace, strength, and freedom. The narrow path is the path of life, and few there be that find it.

I am one of those messengers, saying to you: Repent. Turn away from your sin. Turn to Jesus who died in your place on the cross so your sin could be forgiven. This is the way.... Walk in it, and be free.

[–]EddieC[S] 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

From Luke 19: 20, 21, 24, 26, it should be clear:
focusing only on personal salvation/well-being, rather than on the well-being of fellow others, is antithetical to Jesus' teachings
 
Matthew 6:10, 7:21, 22:37-40, 25:30 make that abundantly clear
 

[–]In-the-clouds 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

The scriptures you call out are a reminder to not be selfish or lazy. If we have love in our heart, we will want to help others, not only physically, but spiritually. And if you do this, as your first priority, God promises to take care of all your needs. I testify he has fulfilled this promise to me. Working for the Lord has been much easier and more enjoyable for me than working for money.

Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

I see many who do not believe his promise, but I say again, he has performed this word in my life. I am free from all debt and do not work for money, receive no government help, and yet all my needs are met. The Lord is good to keep his promises.

If you do not freely serve the Lord, you will be a slave to someone or something else.

[–]In-the-clouds 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)