10 Steps by John Horvat

10 Steps to Prepare for America’s Economic Collapse

By Raymond Drake

A “frenetic intemperance” is destabilizing our economy. It is a restless, explosive and relentless drive inside man. It seeks to throw off all legitimate restraints and gratify all disordered passions.

The Troubles We Now Face

Because of “frenetic intemperance,” our economy is coming apart under crushing debt obligations: personal, corporate, state and local government, out-of-control federal spending and debt, runaway trade deficits, a manufacturing base that has largely moved off-shore, and a wobbly dollar whose currency reserve status is increasingly challenged around the world. Crippling socialist regulations, laws, and taxes stifle businesses and individuals alike, squashing initiative and removing incentives to work and invest.

 No one expects a house without a foundation to survive a hurricane. Likewise, it is unreasonable to expect that, as the winds resulting from decades of profligate, irresponsible behavior reach gale strength, our society will withstand their destructive power.

Will America Survive?
The crumbling of the “American way of life” does not necessarily mean the end of America. We must pray, work and trust in God that from the debris of our crumbling society, a new America will arise — an America of faith and family, service and honor.

It all hinges on how we confront the coming economic collapse.

This collapse may come suddenly, or in stages, like the steps of a staircase. In either case, we must be prepared.

Drawn from John Horvat’s ground-breaking book Return to Order: From a Frenzied Economy to an Organic Christian Society—Where We’ve Been, How We Got Here, and Where We Need to Go, here are 10 Steps that will help you and your family.

1.  Stand Your Ground
In face of the crisis, some suggest we flee to America’s remote recesses or move abroad. This is wrong, for the world is so interconnected and interdependent today that the crisis will reach us, one way or another. More importantly, now is the time to fight for America, not abandon her.

Wherever you live and whatever your occupation, you must stand your ground, fighting for the common good of the nation — legally and peacefully.

2.  Reject False Solutions
False solutions abound. Know them and reject them. False solutions from the Left include: the push for more socialism, the surrender of our sovereignty to international courts, the move toward global government, and sub-consumerist, neo-tribal, and ecological ideologies. False solutions from the Right include a quasi-anarchical aversion to government, the nullification movement, secessionism, and off-the-grid survivalism.

3.  Prepare with Prudence
Prudence is the virtue whereby we choose the adequate means to achieve our goal. In confronting a crisis, we often find it easier to focus on the practical measures. Certainly these are not to be neglected, but assembling the spiritual means that will help tackle troubles ahead is more important.

For this, you must strengthen your faith, fortify your principles, and reinforce your convictions. Start this prudent preparation with prayer and calm, reasoned reflection. It will make your principles solid and your attachment to our institutions firm. Only profound and solid reasons will sustain you in the hard, long struggle.

4.  Examine Lifestyles and Personal Habits
The movement to turn America around starts within each of us, on the individual plane. Since frenetic intemperance and selfish individualism are at the root of our socio-economic troubles, we must resolutely oppose them in our personal lives.

This means eliminating certain habits and lifestyles, for example: spending beyond your means or on fads and fashions; making unwise, even reckless investments; being swept away by stress-filled schedules; allowing the frenzy of technological gadgetry to dominate your life; putting money above family, community or religion; preferring quantity over quality; and having an aversion to leisure and reflection.

5.  Ponder the Moral Dimension
Frenetic intemperance is rooted in selfish unrestraint. It fosters individualism, whereby God and neighbor are shut out from the imagined universe we create for ourselves. But Saint John teaches: “[H]e that loveth not his brother, whom he seeth, how can he love God, whom he seeth not?” (1 John 4:20). How very different is the guiding principle preached and lived by Our Divine Savior: “Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Through the generous giving of self we eradicate frenetic intemperance and selfish individualism from our lives.

Whatever America’s economic collapse entails for you and your family, developing the habit of self-sacrifice is excellent spiritual preparation. Indeed, this dedication to others and to the common good, this true charity, has sustained every Christian society for 2,000 years.

6.  It Takes a Family
Parents correctly see their children as extensions of themselves and sacrifice for them. In turn, children feel compelled by the ties of nature to love, honor, and sacrifice for their parents who collaborated with God to give them their existence. These bonds of affection and service tend naturally to expand, moving beyond the nuclear to the extended family: grandparents, cousins, uncles, and so on.

Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum correctly noted that, “It takes a family.” The family is a powerful and affectionate social safety net, and can provide many of the services usurped by the cold modern State. As an economic entity, the family tends to create patterns of production and consumption different from the flawed individualist model of today.

From the economic standpoint, the temperate structures of family tradition protect men from cut-throat competition. The predatory influence of usury is lessened since many have recourse to the family in times of need.

Your family’s loving ambience is the easiest place for you to practice Christian charity.

7.  It Takes a Village
From her perch on the Left, Hillary Clinton wrote that, “It takes a village.” This is perhaps the one point where we agree with her, though the underlying spirit is different. Hers is a socialist outlook, ours must be Christian.

We see the spirit of the family mirrored in associations and communities, towns and cities. These intermediate bodies between the family and the State are open to the temperate spirit of the family, which radiates its benevolent influence outwards.

This same family spirit has such a capacity to absorb and integrate that everyone in a region, even outside elements, eventually share a common family-like mentality, temperament and affection. A person from the South, for example, participates in the great “Southern family” or, to extend the analogy further, in our great American family.

Love your community. Be involved. Be proud of the good traits, traditions, products and cultural achievements of your region and do whatever you can to develop them further. Help others see the blessings God placed in your region.

8.  It Takes a Christian State
This sentiment of affection is in fact the most important element of union for the State. Constitutions, laws, and institutions may be indispensable unifying elements, but the most vital of all is family-like affection, without which the State is doomed to be divided against itself. So many modern states glory in their divisions! They are divided by political parties, factions, or intense economic competition. They should rather seek glory in uniting social groups, factions, and parties. Marriages should unite families, industries, regions, and nations. True patriotism is nothing but this family sentiment and common love of native land writ large and applied to all those in the same country.

The Christian State gives unity, direction, and purpose to society — embracing, never absorbing; delegating, never concentrating; encouraging, never stifling.

Remain engaged in the Cultural War. Find ways to network with others and do everything you can so that our State and laws conform to the Divine and natural moral laws.

9.  It Takes Fidelity
Without fidelity to our Christian Baptism, competition and power struggles will inevitably occur. As a result, the family ends up being devoured by society, and society by the State.

A Christian family spirit must permeate society and State. “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports,” wrote George Washington in his Farewell Address. And, though he spoke some 1,600 years ago, Saint Augustine’s teaching remains true today:

“Let those who say that the teachings of Christ are harmful to the State find armies with soldiers who live up to the standards of the teachings of Jesus. Let them provide governors, husbands and wives, parents and children, masters and servants, kings, judges, taxpayers and tax collectors who can compare to those who take Christian teachings to heart. Then let them dare to say that such teaching is contrary to the welfare of the State! Indeed, under no circumstances can they fail to realize that this teaching is the greatest safeguard of the State when faithfully observed.” (“Epis. 138 ad Marcellinum,” in Opera Omnia, vol. 2, in J.P. Migne, Patrologia Latina, col. 532.)

Become an apostle of this Christian spirit, helping others take it to heart in their daily lives.

10.  It Takes Leadership
In face of the present economic crisis, we have two groups. Those with leadership qualities who succeed fabulously in what they do. And those who seek help and direction. What is missing is a way to unite the two groups. Therefore, we need to regenerate a culture that encourages representative figures to unify the nation and confront the crisis.

We must encourage all types of leadership that express ties of mutual trust. We should think of concrete ways — how we dress, speak, and lead — to become truly representative figures for those who look up to us (be they in our family, business, parish, community, region or state). This would lead us to discover ways to embrace duty, responsibility, and sacrifice and reject a misguided and selfish individualism.

With many such dedicated leaders at all levels of society, laboring for the common good, we can restore America.

You will lead in some areas (great or small) and follow in others. Honor your leadership. Show your gratitude and honor everyone in leadership.

A Psalm - A Prayer

A Psalm – A Prayer

by Bob Headrick

ADONAI; You who created me in Adam, formed me in my mother’s womb, called and gifted me for your Kingdom, wrote out the days of my life before they existed, pursued me till I saw my want for You, redeemed me in CHRIST JESUS and conform me to the work of Your Kingdom by Your indwelling Spirit;

Thank You for Your Love that was before creation and will never end.

Thank You for Your mercy that is new every morning.

Thank You for Your grace that is sufficient for every experience.

Thank You for Your provision and prosperity.

Thank You for Your healing and deliverance.

Thank You for every good gift and blessing.

Thank You for forgiveness!

ELOHIM, in whose image we are made.

YESHUA, by whom we are saved.

YAHWEH, who created everything that is.

I AM, in whom everything exists.

How can I know You and not serve You?

How can I know You and sin?

How can I struggle between serving You and sinning?

You who gave everything for me! How?

Bless Your Name YESHUA:

You to whom all created beings will bow and declare You Are!

You who gave Yourself to redeem us to Your Father and make us His Children also!

You who have always ruled and will always rule and train us to rule with You!

You who are the fullness of I AM in the flesh and yet are not born of man!

You only are the True and Living GOD!

You only are the self-existent One!

You only are Life, Light and Love!

You only are Truth!

You only are Holy and Righteous!

You only are Just and Faithful!

To You only I bow and vow to serve because You only are worthy!

George Washington's 110 Rules

When we think of America, we are tempted to suppose that our country was a break with the traditions of the past, and that manners and ceremony were cast aside. Yet, courtesy was nothing strange to George Washington, the “Father of His Country.”

At age 16, George Washington copied out these 110 rules for morals and good manners and the manuscript is preserved at the Library of Congress, know as “The Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.”

While some believe they were authored by Washington himself, it appears that they were originally written by French Jesuits in 1595. They made their first appearance in English in 1640, when twelve-year old Francis Hawkins translated them from French. That Washington is not the author does not diminish in any way the great value of his manuscript for all Americans.

For the reader’s convenience, English usages and spelling have been modernized and rules with little to no application to our culture today are bracketed and in italics.

1) Every action done when in company ought to be done with some sign of respect for those present.

2) When in company, do not put your hands on any part of the body that is usually clothed.

3) Show nothing to a friend that may frighten him.

4) When in the presence of others do not hum or sing to yourself or drum with your fingers or feet.

5) Be as quiet as possible when you cough, sneeze, sigh, or yawn. Refrain from speaking when yawning; cover your face with your handkerchief and turn aside.

6) When others talk, do not doze off. Do not sit down while others are standing. Do not speak when you should hold your peace. Do not continue walking when others stop.

7) Do not undress in front of others, nor leave your bedroom half dressed.

8) At games [and around the fire] it is good manners to give your place to a new arrival, and refrain from speaking louder than normal.

9) [Do not spit into the fire, stoop low before it, put your hands into the flames to warm them, or set your feet upon the fire especially if there is meat roasting before it.]

10) [ When you sit down, keep your feet firm and even, without putting one on the other or crossing them.]

11) Do not fidget within sight of others or bite your finger nails.

12) In company, do not shake your head, feet, or legs. Do not roll your eyes or lift one eyebrow higher than the other. Do not make faces or twist your mouth. Do not speak so close to people that inadvertently some of your spittle reaches them.

13) [Do not kill fleas, lice, ticks, etc. in front of others. If you see any filth of thick spittle place your foot over it. If you see it on your companions’ clothes, remove it with discretion. If others remove it from your own clothes, thank them.]

14) Do not give your back to others, especially when talking. Do not bump the table or desk someone else is using. Do not lean on others, or on furniture, walls, doorways, etc.

15) Keep your finger nails clean and trimmed. Keep your hands and teeth clean too, but without showing exaggerated concern for them.

16) Do not puff up your cheeks; stick your tongue out; rub your hands or beard; purse your lips or bite them. Do not keep your lips too open or too closed.

17) Do not flatter. Do not joke with anyone who does not like being played with.

18) When in the company of others, refrain from reading letters, books, or papers. If you must, then first ask their leave. Unless asked, do not come too close to others who are reading or writing so as to inadvertently read their material. Do not give your unsolicited opinion about their reading or writing. Do not look at letters others are writing.

19) Let your countenance be pleasant, but somewhat grave in serious matters.

20) Your body’s posture and gestures should harmonize with what you are saying.

21) Reproach no one for infirmities of nature, nor bring them up in conversation with those who have them.

22) Do not rejoice at the misfortune of others, even if they are your enemy.

23) Although you may be pleased within your heart, always show pity for a criminal when you see him punished.

24) During public spectacles, do not laugh boisterously or too loud.

25) Superfluous compliments and all affectation of ceremony should be avoided, yet they are not to be neglected when due and proper.

26) [In tipping your hat to persons of distinction, such as noblemen, judges, clergy, etc. make a reverence, bowing more or less according to the custom of the well-bred and the quality of the person. Amongst your equals do not expect them to salute you first. However, it is affectation for you to tip your hat when there is no need.] In greeting others keep to the most common custom.

27) [It is bad manners to direct someone who is more eminent than you to put their hat back on. It is also uncouth to refrain from doing this with those with whom it is proper. Likewise, he who rushes to put his hat on acts wrongly. Still, he should put on at the first request, or at most when asked to do so for the second time.] Now what is said here about showing differentiation in greeting others and in one’s behavior, ought also to be observed when taking one’s place. To sit down for ceremonies without taking this care is troublesome.

28) Stand up if someone comes to speak with you while you are sitting down, even if he is your inferior. When you show people to their seats, place them according to their status.

29) When you meet someone of higher social status than your own, stop, and step back to let him pass first, especially if this be at a door or any narrow place.

30) When walking, in most countries the most important place seems to be on the right. Therefore, place yourself on the left of him whom you desire to honor. However, if three people are walking together, then the most honorable place is in the middle. If two people are walking together, the wall side is usually given to the more distinguished.

31) If someone far surpasses others—in age, status, or merit—yet would show preference to another of lower condition, be this in his own house or elsewhere, the person thus honored should not accept. Thus, the more distinguished person should not offer this too earnestly nor more than once or twice.

32) With someone who is your equal, or not much inferior, you should offer the chief place in your home and the person to whom it is offered should refuse the first offer, but accept the second, but not without first acknowledging his own unworthiness.

33) Persons in dignity or office have precedence everywhere but while young they should respect those who are their equals in birth or other qualities, even if these individuals have no public office.

34) It is good manners to show deference to those with whom we are speaking, especially if they are superior to us. With these, we ought never to take first place.

35) Be clear and to-the-point when speaking with professionals and men of business.

36) Craftsmen and persons of humble condition should not be overly ceremonious with lords, or others of high social rank, but should rather respect and honor them highly. Those of high rank should treat them with affability and courtesy, and without arrogance.

37) When speaking to distinguished gentlemen do not lean on anything; do not look them full in the face; nor approach too close. Keep a full yard’s distance from them.

38) When visiting the sick, do not play the physician unless you have studied medicine.

39) In speaking or writing, give to each his due title according to his rank and the customs of the place.

40) Do not argue with your superiors, rather present your opinion modestly.

41) Do not try to teach your equal the art or trade he exercises as this rings of arrogance.

42) Let your acts of courtesy be proportional to the rank of the person with whom you are speaking for it is absurd to treat with a clown and a prince in the same manner.

43) Do not express joy before one who is sick or in pain for that contrary passion will aggravate his misery.

44) Do not recriminate an unsuccessful man when he did all he could.

45) If you have to counsel or reprimand anyone, ponder first if this should be in public or in private; now or at some other time; and in what terms to do it. In reprimanding show no irritation, only sweetness and mildness.

46) Receive all admonitions thankfully wherever and whenever they are given. However, if the admonition is unfounded (for you are not at fault), then, later on, at a time and place that are convenient for him, approach the person who admonished you and apprise him of your innocence.

47) Do not mock or jest about anything that is important. Do not tolerate backbiting jests. If you say anything that is witty and humorous, do not laugh yourself.

48) Be blameless yourself of whatever you reprove in others since your good example will prevail more than precepts.

49) Never use reproachful language against another. Do not curse or revile.

50) Be slow at believing anything that disparages another.

51) Do not wear soiled, ripped, or dusty clothes. [Rather, make sure they are brushed once every day at least] and be careful not to approach things that are dirty.

52) Be modest in your dress and strive to accommodate nature rather than seeking for admiration. Follow the fashion of your equals as long as it is civil and orderly with respect to times and places.

53) Do not run in the street. Do not walk too slowly, or with your mouth open. Do not fling your arms about or scuff your shoes when you walk. Do not walk on your toes or in a dancing manner.

54) Do not play the peacock, looking up and down to see if you are well dressed, if your shoes fit well, [your stockings sit neatly], and your clothes handsomely.

55) Do not eat in the street or at home outside of meal times.

56) If you prize your reputation, seek the company of good gentlemen; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.

57) [In walking up and down inside a house in the company of someone of higher rank than you, give him your right at the first opportunity and do not stop until he does. Be not the first to turn, and when you do turn be sure to turn facing towards him. If he be of much higher rank, do not walk with him cheek by jowl, but a little behind yet close enough that he may speak easily with you.]

58) Let your conversation be without malice or envy, for it is a sign of a tractable and commendable nature. In all passionate causes admit the governing of reason.

59) In front of your inferiors, never say anything unbecoming, nor act against the moral rules.

60) Do not urge your friends to reveal a secret for this would be a lack of modesty.

61) Never utter base and frivolous things amongst grave and learned men nor raise very difficult questions or topics, or things that are hard to be believed, among the ignorant. When among those who are your equals or superior to you, do not stuff your speech with pompous sentences.

62) Do not speak of sorrowful things in times of joy or at the table. Do not speak of sad things as death and wounds, and if others mention them, do your best to change the subject. Only reveal your dreams to your intimate friend.

63) One should not show appreciation for one’s own achievements or rare qualities of wit; and even less his wealth, virtue or family.

64) Do not joke when the occasion is unsuitable or when those present would not take it well. Do not laugh loudly. Never laugh without reason. Never deride a man’s misfortune even though there seems to be some cause for it.

65) Never utter injurious words, be this in jest or in earnest. Never scoff at anyone even though they may give occasion.

66) Never be impertinent but friendly and courteous. Be the first to greet, hear, and answer and, when it is time for conversation, do not show yourself silent and pensive.

67) Never say anything detracting about others and, when commanding, never show yourself to be overbearing.

68) Do not go where you are unsure if you will be welcome or not. Do not give advice without being asked, and when it is solicited, give it briefly.

69) Where two are arguing do not take sides unless you have to. Do not be stubborn in your opinion. In neutral things, side with the majority.

70) Do not admonish others for their imperfections as this is the prerogative of parents, masters, and superiors.

71) Do not look at the marks or blemishes of others and do not ask how they came about. That which you say in secret to your friend should not be divulged in front of others.

72) Do not speak in a foreign language in front of company, but always in your own, and as done by gentle folk, not riffraff. Handle sublime issues seriously.

73) Think before you speak. Do not pronounce your words imperfectly nor bring them out too hastily but rather with order and clarity.

74) When another speaks be attentive to what he says and do not disturb those present. If he should hesitate in his words do not help him out nor prompt him unless he requests this. Do not interrupt him, nor answer him until he has finished what he wished to say.

75) If you join an ongoing conversation do not ask what the topic is. If you perceive that the conversation stopped because of your arrival, gently entreat them to proceed. If a distinguished person comes to the conversation while you are talking, it is courteous for you to summarize what was said earlier.

76) When speaking, do not point to anyone you are talking about. Do not approach too closely the person you are speaking to, especially his face.

77) Leave your discussion of business with people for its appropriate time. Do not whisper when in the company of others.

78) Draw no comparisons and if anyone in your circle of conversation is commended for a brave act of virtue, do not praise someone else who is with you for the same thing.

79) When you do not know if news are true, be careful not to pass them on. In repeating things you have heard, do not name your source every time. Never disclose a secret.

80) Do not be boring in your conversation or reading unless you find that those present are pleased with it.

81) Do not show curiosity about the doings of others and do not approach people who are speaking privately.

82) Never undertake what you cannot carry through to completion and be careful to keep your promises.

83) When you address an issue do so without passion and with discretion, no matter how humble the condition of the person you are dealing with.

84) Do not eavesdrop, talk or laugh while anyone who is your social superior is talking with another.

85) [When in the presence of these persons superior to you in rank, do not speak until you are asked a question, then stand up straight, remove your hat and answer succinctly.]

86) In discussion, never be so eager to prevail as to curtail the freedom of the participants to state their opinion. Submit to the judgment of the majority especially if they are judging the discussion.

87) Let your posture be composed, such as becomes a grave man, and pay attention to what is said. Do not contradict constantly what others say.

88) Do not be boring in your speech. Refrain from digressions. Do not repeat what you have already said earlier.

89) Do not speak ill of anyone who is absent for this is unjust.

90) Having sat down for a meal, do not scratch, [or spit], cough or blow your nose unless this is a necessity.

91) Be discreet in showing your pleasure with the food being served. Do not eat greedily. When helping yourself from the common loaf of bread use a knife to cut a slice. Do not lean on the table nor criticize the food you were served.

92) [Do not serve yourself to the common salt or cut from the common loaf with a knife you have already used for your meal.]

93) If you are entertaining another at dinner, it is courteous to prepare his plate, from the platters. Do not try to help others if this is not wanted by the head of the table.

94) If you dip a piece of bread into the sauce, make sure that it is no more than bite-size. While at the table, do not blow on your soup to cool it; rather, wait a bit, letting it cool on its own.

95) Do not eat from your knife. Do not spit out fruit pits or stones. Do not throw anything under the table.

96) It is unbecoming to stoop over your plate. Keep your fingers clean, and if they become dirty, use a corner of your napkin to clean them.

97) Do not take another bite without having swallowed the former. Do not take a bite that is more than you can chew.

98) Do not drink or talk with your mouth full. Do not look around while you are drinking.

99) Do not drink too slowly or too quickly. Wipe your lips before and after drinking, without breathing, and without making too much noise, for to do so is uncivil.

100) [Do not clean your teeth with the tablecloth, napkin, fork, or knife, but if others do so, let it be done with a toothpick.]

101) Do not rinse out your mouth in front of others.

102) Encouraging your guests repeatedly to help themselves to seconds is no longer done. You need not toast every time you have wine.

103) When there are others who outrank you socially at table, do not take longer to finish eating than them. Do not rest your arm, but only your hand upon the table.

104) The most important person at the table should be the first to unfold his napkin and start his meal. Thus, he should do this without delay. The meal should be served with dexterity so that the slowest person at the table will still have sufficient time for his meal.

105) Whatever may happen, never show any irritation at the table even if there is cause for this. Display only a cheerful countenance, especially if you are entertaining guests, for a good disposition turns a simple meal into a feast.

106) Do not sit down at an important place at the table unless it is your role to do so or because the host wants you to. Do not argue, least this trouble the guests.

107) If others speak at the table pay attention to what they say and do not talk with your mouth full.

108) When you speak of God or His attributes, do so seriously and with reverence. Honor and obey your natural parents even if they be poor.

109) Let your recreations be manly not sinful.

110) Work hard to keep alive in your breast that little spark of heavenly grace called conscience.

~FINIS~

Temptation!

Without Sin!

“See, the Word of GOD is alive! It is at work and sharper than any double edged sword – it cuts right through to where soul meets spirit and joints meet marrow, and it is quick to judge the inner reflections and attitudes of the heart. Before GOD, nothing is hidden, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must render an account.

Therefore since we have a great cohen gadol (High Priest) who has passed through to the highest Heaven, YESHUA (JESUS), the Son of GOD, let us hold firmly to what we acknowledge as true. For we do not have a cohen gadol unable to empathize with our weaknesses; since in every respect He was tempted just as we are, the only difference being that He did not sin. Therefore, let us confidently approach the Throne from which GOD gives grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:12-16 CJB (emphasis mine)

He was tempted as we are, we have heard many teachings on this passage over the years and I really have nothing to add to that. Of course the three temptations He faced after His baptism and 40 days of fasting with testing and temptations; lust of the flesh and gluttony, by using His power to turn stones into bread to satisfy His hunger; pride (vanity), by jumping off a high place to test GOD the Father’s Word; greed for power and sloth (laziness) by circumventing GOD’s process of taking back the authority of man over the earth by worshiping satan. But what of the rest of the seven deadly sins; the seven are pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth.

Pride: He dealt with that by not demonstrating His authority and power as the Son of GOD by judging and punishing as He could have, but He spoke the truth in love for the lost no matter who they were of how they treated Him. He reminded the disciples that while He was their LORD He came to serve not be served. He taught that to be His disciples we must live and trust as children, love one another as He loves us and to lay down our lives as He did by taking up our cross as He did.

Greed: He could have been the best carpenter in the world and made a fortune building for the wealthy and rulers of the world, but He lived simply and humbly. He never owned a home, He always traveled by foot, except once, He lived off the support of women. He taught us to store up heavenly treasure not earthly treasure.

Lust: He could have anyone or anything He wanted, but He did not take anything not offered and He did not take everything that was offered and He forced no one to obey Him. He did not ask others to supply His needs, only His Heavenly Father whom He sought daily. He taught us to seek after the things of GOD’s Kingdom not the satisfaction of the flesh.

Envy: He did not desire the things of the flesh or the world, but only to do the will of His Heavenly Father. He did not desire the recognition of people on their terms, He remained humble to the end yet He always spoke the truth, not in a condemning way, but in a manner so as to touch the heart of the listener. He taught us to love and serve others before ourself.

Gluttony: While He sat and ate with the wealthy, He fed the people from meager supplies. He and His disciples lived off the generosity of women and at one point the disciples were hungry enough to pick grain and eat it raw. He often left everyone to be in the presence of His Heavenly Father to make sure that He was seeking GOD first and His righteousness rather than the comforts of life.

Wrath: He spoke of the judgment to come for those who rejected the Father and Himself. He did in indignation clear the Temple twice during Passovers, of the money changers and sellers, reminding the people that the House of GOD was for Prayer. He did call the religious leaders hypocrites and whitewashed (liars) based on their public actions and words. He never attacked anybody, He never sent His disciples to attack anybody, He did not even revile those who falsely accused Him. He taught us to love our enemies and not to judge anyone.

Sloth (laziness): JESUS sought and obeyed the will of GOD for Himself, He walked the whole of Israel to proclaim the Gospel and discipled twelve men to lead His followers and the soon to be born Church. While He sought as much alone time as He could with His Heavenly Father He spent most of His awake time giving to the people; healing, casting out demons, teaching and feeding them as individuals and in mass. He taught that we are to seek the Kingdom of GOD and His righteousness, that we are to do the will of the Father in the earth as it is in Heaven, to love and serve one another and to go to the whole world and proclaim His Gospel.

But here’s what started this paper today, as I was thinking about verse 15, that He was tempted as we are in every way, I thought about wrath which includes anger and hatred. That JESUS as the eldest child and first born son had to put up with is younger siblings, not just childhood rivalries but even when He was ministering His siblings did not believe Him and mocked Him. They had to have heard the story of His birth from their parents who would have to explain to them the rumors they heard about JESUS, yet He still had to deal with that issue. He submitted to His parents which meant that He had to learn His father’s trade as a carpenter, He probably had to watch over His siblings on occasion and He did not give into temptation.

His whole life was not about Himself but about serving humanity by doing the will of His Heavenly Father. That is the call He has given us, when we are born again we are no longer to seek our own needs and desires but to do the will of GOD by seeking His Kingdom in Heaven, living according to His righteousness and doing His will (works of His Kingdom) in the earth. This is not some easy thing that happens just because the Spirit of GOD (Holy Spirit) now lives in us, it is a daily process of seeking and doing, just as JESUS did.

That is what being holy as He is holy means, set apart to GOD, we are not our own because He purchased us (redeemed us from the authority of the devil to destroy us) by the life of CHRIST, cleansed us from our sins by the Blood of CHRIST and made us His temple in the earth by filling us with His Spirit.

I have to stop making excuses or just overlooking my fallings to my temptations and live as the born again, Spirit filled temple of GOD that I am! How about you?

The Bible teaches that JESUS, who knew no sin, became sin for us so that we could stop sinning!