Stuck in Neutral

I was watching television last week and a popular Judge was litigating a case. The plaintiff, a young woman, was suing her ex-boyfriend for damaging her cell phone. The cost of the phone was $350.00. The Judge asked what she did for a living and she said she was on welfare and does hair on the side. The Judge then asked how much she was getting from the state and she said $343/monthly, plus a bit more for her 2 children. Although it had nothing to do with the specific details of her lawsuit, the Judge informed her that welfare is for you to provide food, clothing and a roof over your family's head - not for you to purchase a $350 cell phone. The judge asked why she would buy such an expensive phone and the young woman told her, "because I liked it"....My goodness, Jesus take the wheel! It reminds me of that scripture that says stay away from weak-willed women, for they are always learning but never coming into the knowledge of Truth (2 Timothy 3:7). This is an example of how God's people are continually being destroyed for lack of knowledge.

Most people won't even read or go to school to improve themselves. They live their lives stuck in neutral and when Bill Cosby calls them out by speaking the truth, they want to throw him into a fiery furnace. But if we've learned anything about the Truth we know it does not die; even through our dismissal and denial of it.

THE TRUTH

* The truth is that we do spend $500 on sneakers but wouldn't dare pay $200 for Hooked on Phonics.

* The truth is we have African-American basketball players who are worth millions, but can't write two paragraphs.

* The truth is our women *selfishly* have babies without prior family planning, in- depth consideration of finances, maturity, spirituality or job stability.

* The truth is we create dysfunctional relationships with others before forming a healthy one with ourselves.

* The truth is we throw God out of our lives, shun those who exalt Him, and demand that others support and validate our poor choices.

Buying expensive phones, clothes, jewelry and cars when your income testifies against you is doing only what you want to do when you don't need to do it. This is why many people look flawless in person but horrific on paper. They indulge in fleeting luxuries but won't save for their children's education. Joyce Meyer said: "You cannot do what you feel like doing and live in victory." Before you buy the latest shoes, purse or watch, remember that your happiness lives within your Spirit - not on the surface and not within any person, place or thing. We must be disciplined enough to do what we need to do even when we don't feel like doing it (I borrowed that one from my Pastor).

Back to the plaintiff I mentioned above: she ended up winning her case and was granted $350.00 for the cost of her damaged cell phone. But when God puts a demand on the gifts and talents He has given her or the knowledge and wisdom that was hers for the asking, I wonder what her defense will be.

As for the rest of us, it's time to shift gears.

Peace.Love.Happiness.