Sunday, October 5, 2014

SOCIAL CLASS

Despite the many challenges the low income American citizens face, those that live below poverty level are nonetheless thankful they don't have to endure the unique hardships of the nation's long-suffering middle class. According to a 2012 report, the 46 million Americans who fall below the federal poverty line, though struggling mightily, they are content as they wisely choose not to strive to compete for more, to advance a career, make more money, and have more stuff. When was the last time an American, in any class, prayed "Give us this day our daily bread" ~ We are considered rich if we have a toilet to flush and a whole loaf of bread. With compassion Dana, a 31-year-old-waitress, single mother of three in Stockton, CA is thankful for her $22,000 annual income which barely covers her rent and monthly groceries. She is glad that she does not operate under the flawed assumption that her meager income prevents her from laughing with her kids and enjoying life. She is greatful to not live under the stress of reaching lofty goals, or struggling to pay off a fixed 30-year mortgage that she has never believed was a source of security. Many Americans who live paycheck to paycheck and struggle to make ends meet told researchers they feel humbled by the travails of the middle class, and take solace knowing that however bad things seem, "some people out there have it a whole lot worse." A substitute teacher named John, along with his wife and 2-year-old son survive on odd job income. John took a survey and shared "Imagine how traumatic it is to grow up feeling like a failure because you think you have some kind of control over what the world economy will do. I just hope and pray my family never relies on the world's resources because they are funded by taxes." God is the Source of all supply and He has an endless supply for those who believe. “Surely he will have no respite from his craving; he cannot save himself by his treasure." JOB 20:20 God has taken care of me and my family. The world will continue to disappointment those who place their trust in anything man made. Researchers also interviewed people who were once part of the nation's middle class. Many experience a profound sense of relief upon moving down the country's socioeconomic ladder. "Honestly, I can't tell you how much better I feel these days," said 44-year-old former IT technician James. He lost his job and his home in April 2012. "Just knowing I no longer have to strive for something more than my family. A load has been lifted and today I'm poor in my wallet, but I'm rich inside, and blessed by a great family." James stared down at his $320 weekly unemployment check. "It's been very liberating." LESSON: Judge not, lest ye be judged. Ayn Rand wrote ATLAS SHRUGGED and it has proven that the USA cannot undo the class system it has created. Do Americans classify people by their financial status? Do Christians show compassion for those who live in third world countries, but not to those who survive month to month on less than $400.00 in America? Who did Jesus choose to befriend? "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession." Deut 7:6 ~ Is Jesus, the Holy Spirit our most treasured possession above all else? Do Believers experience guilt about their prosperity? Did Jesus die and take away our sorrow, guilt and shame? Did Jesus feed 4,000 middle, upper and lower class people? Our social class system in America reveals a tremendous sense of pride among the rich, and by this recent survey, humble compassionate hearts among the poor. Has it always been so? Agree or disagree, we all were given the opportunity to increase so that we can enjoy the best, the good, and share our bounty with the less fortunate. God uses His people to bless others, as He blesses them. Thank You Jesus for Your many teachings on how to treat others with love and respect, regardless of their income, regardless of their appearance. Humble hearts and the poor in spirit know that God has a room prepared for them in His mansion. As for me and my house, I choose to maintain a home that welcomes the thirsty, and feeds the hungry with the truth of God's living and active word. With a humble heart I thank God for all that He has provided, for all that He has multiplied, that I may serve Him with a heart of graditude. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

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