Sitting on Talents

This blog post might reflect back to a prior blog I wrote entitled “Complacency & Talents"; however, I want to focus this specifically on those who are sitting on talents because of pressure around you. Sometimes the church you attend, your family, your place of employment can cause you to sit on the talents that have been bestowed upon you.

There will be little minds around you (even in your church, etc.) that will tell you that you’re not gifted in this or that because they’re not doing anything except complaining that they can’t get ahead. The local church can be a hindrance to your true talents due to politics and favoritism. Don’t kick too hard against the local church, and don’t try to change it; however, don’t let the collective talents bury your individual talents. Also keep this in mind, I’m not saying that every church has a selfish motive (and there are some good churches in your respective areas).

I also need to be a bit sensitive when I talk about this: When you deal with churches, sometimes individual talents are sacrificed for the church's agenda (and it comes from leadership). Some leaders will say that your talents are to be used ONLY for the local church and its mission (the question I would raise is: who else other than the church is going to reap the benefits)? When a leader says that, then people will sit on their talents, become complacent, individual talents are buried and the end result is not only does the local church miss out, the body of Christ at large and the world misses out. Local churches should be able to back those who have individual talents (especially when it's part of God's agenda - where it ministers to the local church and to the body of Christ at large). What I see that's very common is that churches back up those who have talents that benefit the leadership of the church or makes the image of the church look good (or they can only glorify the talents of the leadership). Some leaders might be aware and some may not be aware that everyone has gifts and talents for the local church and for the body of Christ at large. This is where people need to know the Lord and the Word for themselves, stay in constant prayer (and fast if necessary). Now here's the other side, some people in the congregation will intentionally sit on their talents for selfish reasons (or they aren't seeing instant gratification). They want all the glory for themselves and want those around, inside and outside the church as a whole, to recognize them.

A little side note: I deal with churches that are selfish a little bit in my third poetry book (on the verge of release). I made up a fictional church where the pastor is controlling, he feels the talents belong to the church, he supports alternative lifestyles, and because the congregation is so naive, they sit and their talents go to a total waste.

I mentioned little minds earlier, let’s deal with them specifically. Some of those little minds can be your family & friends, but because you chose to fulfill your talents, they are now jealous. But they’re rejoicing when you’re not fulfilling your talents because they love the company. Misery loves company. If you fall for that feeling, your sitting on your talents and you’ll give an account for that. Here’s the other side of that: people around you are fulfilling their talents and you’re jealous, griping and complaining. I ask you, why aren’t you fulfilling your talents? There’s a saying that goes (the scripture reference being 1 Corinthians 15:33): you show me your friends and I’ll tell you what you think of yourself and what you’re capable of accomplishing. If you hang with people who are complacent and complain, you’ll be one of those people. If you hang with people who want to change the world and fulfill their talents, you’ll be motivated to do the same (hopefully that's the case, unless the root of complacency is planted deep into your spirit). If you hang with people who sit on their talents because you're allowing other people are controlling them, you will be miserable and complain why others are succeeding and you aren’t. You might need to change your friends (not kick them to curb, or maybe you might have to), but you don’t have to let their actions and especially words deter you from where you’re going - this sentence is mandatory if you really want to fulfill your talents.

Don’t be discouraged, because you have a lot to offer to someone. Here’s the other side of the coin. Sometimes churches and families will thrust you into roles that you know are not your calling. The reason why that sometimes happens is because the church or family is just selfish and looking out for themselves. Example, a single mother has multiple children and thrusts them all into athletics with the belief that at least one of them will go pro and I’ll let them take care of me. I’ll be able to live the rich & famous life.

Now many people are saying, “You’re advocating people should start a business, but not everybody should start a business.” I agree with that, if that’s not your calling, then don’t start one. Don’t let your job overshadow your talent. Some people will use that as a crutch (my job is enslaving me and I’m always tired) as to why they’re not putting their talent to use. I believe God gave you a brain to put to use and to not sit and complain. Several months back, I posted this quote on Facebook, if we spent more time working our talents as we do complaining & blaming, we can make a difference in this world. If you don’t fight for your talent, you’ll lose it (as mentioned in one of my prior blogs). I'll say this again (from "Complacency & Talents"), you're an adult, GROW UP & GO FOR IT!

I want to encourage you to not let others dictate what your talents are (especially if you know what they are and not what they say they are). Remember, you will give an account for your individual talents that you don’t utilize. I’d hate to see you forfeit your talent and stay complacent in your comfort zone. A little reflective of the children of Israel where they didn’t want to go to the Promised Land, instead they wanted the complacent life.

In conclusion: I believe the majority sit on their talents because they either want instant gratification or they didn't realize how much work is involved. Once you count the cost as to how much work is involved and make the decision to go for it and put in the work; you will have adversity and trials, but the Lord will sustain you!

Review of Take It From Him

This review was written by my brother & fellow author, Davis Prime.

Ok, Men: when was the last time you picked up a book of poetry? If you’re like me, it may have been quite some time, but I highly recommend you change those ingrained habits and get Tremayne Moore’s new book, Take It from Him. Frank, and insightful, Mr. Moore bares his soul in such a way that other men can benefit from his life experience, while at the same time, giving women a clear vision for the male enigma. It’s no easy task, but within the pages of his latest release, he pulls no punches, dealing with the issues of men: whether it be determination, fatigue, love, fear, or even perversion. While some poems speak directly to the black male experience, the issues he addresses and gives voice to are shared by all mankind. Tremayne is obviously a man of faith, and as such, his beliefs shine forth, in poems like My Mind on the Word. This book reaches lofty places and it can take you with it because the author permits a level of transparency and vulnerability, exhibiting both his strength and humility. Here is a book that suits itself to the busy day-to-day lifestyle of men and women. It does not demand that you consume it in one sitting, or even several. Instead, it can be sipped and digested at leisure, alone, or in a group setting. You can find a quiet spot, sit down, and read one or many of its gems; it doesn’t matter. As for me, I think the combination of a cool sunrise, a cup of coffee, a chair on the porch and this book might just prove an unbeatable combination.

The Untouchables of the American Church

Prelude: before you read this post, I want to inform you that I agree with this 150%. This was written by my editor & fellow author Shantae Charles. I remember her telling me a month ago she was planning to write this, and I was waiting for it. She released this on her blog page last week and it was fire! I'm with her when she says, "if you can't tell it, let me tell it!" Most of you know, that's how I am (especially if you went to FAMU with me between 1998 - 2001). With that said, you will probably get offended by this, but I'd advise you to pray about what you''ve just read.   

 

        As I begin this blog, I want to make it clear: the Pastoral calling, and indeed the calling to 5-fold ministry (Eph 4:11-14) is one of the most daunting and rewarding calls one can recieve from God. As a minister who is called to 5-fold ministry, I count it an honor that God counted me worthy putting me into ministry. I am also blessed to have been discipled and trained under pastoral leadership both past and present that has been full of integrity and full of the Holy Spirit's empowerment. I know that many people complain about their church or Pastors, but this is NOT a complaint. I hope to encourage the 5-fold ministry while at the same time provoke my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to good works and greater relationship with Jesus Christ.

         Jesus said that those who are not saved, are already condemned. He came to provide good news, news of salvation and deliverance, news of healing and forgiveness. Once we have recieved that message, and been grafted in to the Body of Christ, the fold of God, through justification, we emark on a lifelong journey with God in fellowship, in discipleship, in community with other believers, and along the way, we mess up. We screw up royally. We confess, we repent, we ask for God's forgiveness, and faithfully God provides it (I John 1:9).

But, what happens to us when we no longer want to hear the message of the cross? When our walk becomes comfortable and we take a laissez-faire, "let it be" approach to sin? What happens when church becomes just another thing "to do" instead of another opportunity "to change", to be renewed in the spirit of our mind, to understand what it means to put on Christ and not fulfill the desires of the flesh/carnal man?

Well, we come upon what I call The Untouchables: things that many pastors are inceasingly having a hard time addressing over the pulpit or have stopped addressing altogether for fear of losing membership, social or political reprisals (losing a pastorate), economic reprisals (decrease in tithe and offering to support church ministry), and as our laws becoming increasingly "anti-Christian", time in jail. Though there are many more, here are 8 of what I call The Untouchables of the American Church and the attitudes that go along with them.

1. "Don't preach to me about music."

"Yes, I will sell my soul for a Jay-Z, Beyonce, etc. concert ticket, and don't expect me to show up for service if the concert is on the same night as Bible Study...So what if their lyrics mock/deny Christ, and make fun of all that is good, glorifies sex outside of marriage, hustling, drugs, gang violence...the beat is thumping, you can't deny that.

2. "Don't interfere with my love/Sex life."

"So what if I want to be with more than one partner? That wait until marriage idea is archaic. Besides we both agreed to this open marriage...its what's in right now. You've got to try the relationship out first before you settle down with one person, right?"

3. "Don't preach to me about "rights to life."

"Its my body and I can do what I want with it...despite the fact that most abortions are not occuring because the mother's life is in danger, or because of incest or sexual abuse...so what? If I want to use abortion like its birth control, who are you to tell me what to do?"

4. "Don't tell me homosexuality is a sin."

"Look, you just need to get over this, okay? People have been doing this for centuries and its not going to stop. Besides, my Mom, BFF, Uncle, Grandpa, and favorite singers are gay and they're nice to me, so, what's the big deal? You should be able to be with who you want to, right?"

5. "Don't tell me my political views are wrong."

"My president is black, and that's all that matters to me, and if you say another word, I'll shut your mouth for you...besides, faith shouldn't play a role in how you vote and what bills you support, right?"

6. "Don't tell me my appetite is out of control."

"Look, you're not Richard Simmons, so don't even try to tell me what to eat...so what my blood pressure is a little high, and I'm ignoring all the medical advice I have recieved from medical professionals...I'm going to eat, drink, and be merry. End of discussion."

7. "Don't preach to me about my social life."

"You're on thin ice,now. I've sacrificed to join this organization, I've given my time, money, blood, sweat, and tears, I've got too much invested and I'm not giving it up...besides, if you just give me some time, I know I can win them over."

8. "Don't preach about my vices.(Drinking, Obscene Language, Gambling, Smoking)"

"I know, I know, they're bad for me, but everything in moderation, right? My habits aren't really hurting anybody, as long as I only socially drink, and I don't smoke around my kids...so what if I fly off the handle? Everybody gets angry and has an off day, right? Oh, and if I hit the jackpot, I fully intend to donate to the church, okay? Just, leave me alone! I'm only human."

The above attitudes may surprise you, but what surprises me the most is that these attitudes are reflected by Believers in conversation and demonstration. When you have attitudes like this, it is no wonder 1,500 Pastors daily on estimate leave the ministry. If Pastors can't address the things in our lives that fuel carnality and unrighteousness, then where does that leave the church? We have to be a body of believers willing to hear the truth regardless of whether it is socially or politically correct. Our main concern should be whether it is Biblically correct. Is this for my spiritual good? Is my lifestyle leading me to eternal life or eternal death? Pastors have a serious charge to provide us with truth, to mature us in righteousness, and to give account for our soul, if we have been placed in their flock.

The Apostle Paul and other apostles throughout the letters to the church (not unbelievers) addressed some of these very same issues: sexual immorality, reveling, unnatural affection, sobriety of the saints, filthy language & communication, and so forth. Yet, at a very critical time in world history, and indeed church history, it appears the church is still needing milk. We must go on to maturity, but we must be a church committed to holiness, righteousness,truth and purity, which by the way are required of all church regardless of denomination or non-denomination. God is coming back for the  Church, His Bride without spot and wrinkle, not a church that excuses or makes excuses for a stained garment.

I encourage you, as I was challenged by the Lord, to examine yourself and see if you are in the faith. I encourage Pastors to not back down from the hard issues, the "untouchables" and preach the unadulterated Word of God. We're counting on you!

Blessings, Peace, and Church Love

The Freedom of Sex (a FAMU Archive)

I wrote this E-mail lesson September 30, 2000 while I was a FAMU student. As I look back at this lesson, I took a lot of heat for it and people were complaining that I'm this, or I'm that. But it also confirmed my theory that Biblical issues are less important than political issues to some people. And to me, that's a tragedy. Here's the lesson:

This is probably one of the boldest E-mails that I’ve ever sent, and I might make some bold statements.  This is an E-mail that might cause some division, but I’m at a point that I don’t care.  I hope this E-mail makes you vomit because of the content of this.  This is the direction that I’m going because we as Christians need to wake up, smell the coffee, and stop playing church and just having some form (if any) of religion.  I also want you to think about this up and coming election.  I’m not telling you who to vote for, but I want you to think about some statements coming from our future president, whomever that may be.  We as Christians need to evangelize this world, because this country (in particular) is going to hell in a handbasket, and we are not fulfilling the Commission of Christ (I admit, I’m not moving like I should either). 

Many of you have heard of this controversial abortion pill called RU-486.  This comes from the weekend USA today paper (dated September 29th to October 1st, 2000).  Here’s the big headline: FDA approves abortion pill (controversial RU-486 could be available within a month).  So what is the world saying to the world (and us): that sex/fornication is perfectly all right and we can kill our child (and/or evidence).  You can truly say that Satan has a hand on this (we can fornicate – which is detestable in God’s sight; and we can murder – which is also detestable in God’s sight).  This is just giving people to up and have sex and not have a child.  We’re just enabling people to link with Satan.  I personally feel if the world can kick up their wrongs, we need to kick up our stand for what’s right and not try to be like them and be all things to them!  Hello somebody! 

Let’s keep this going, the article continues.  Here’s what George W. Bush had to say on it: “The FDA’s decision to approve the abortion pill RU-486 is wrong.  As president, I will work to build a culture that respects life.”  Al Gore (who praised the approval of Mifeprex – that’s what it’s called) had this to say: “Today’s decision is not about politics, but the health and safety of American women and a woman’s fundamental right to choose.”  And there you have it people.  Some people may say that it’s a lesser of the

two evils, how far do you plan to take that?!  Now we as Christians have the right to speak against the wrongs (that’s what Jesus did) and state and tell them what’s right.  Yes, we’re in a period where people will die for doing that, are you willing to do that or remain silent.  I’m at a point in my life that I’m willing to die for this.  I believe that in a few years, the words Christian & Jesus will be banned. 

Here’s some more information on this: It first appeared in France in 1988, the drug has been used by more than 620,000 women in Europe, China and Israel.  It will be available in clinics and doctors’ offices in four weeks.  The patient is required to have three doctor’s office visits over a two-week period.  It can be used as soon as a woman knows she is pregnant up until seven weeks after her last menstrual period started.  Almost all women experience at least one of the drug’s side effects, which include bleeding, cramping and nausea (to include vomiting and diarrhea).  In U.S. clinical trials, 5% of women still needed a surgical abortion after using mifepristone, and 2% nrequired surgery to stop heavy bleeding.  Only doctors who can accurately detect the age of a pregnancy and whether it’s ectopic, or tubal, will be allowed to administer the drug.  The drug blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain a pregnancy, and can be used from the time a woman knows she is pregnant until seven weeks after the start of her last menstrual period.  The drug, mifepristone, will be sold in the USA under the trade name Mifeprex.  Women will be able to obtain Mifeprex through doctors’ offices and clinics.  It will also be distributed only through physicians who can accurately determine the duration of a patient’s pregnancy.  The steps to terminating a pregnancy consist of this: (It requires three visits to a doctor’s office or clinic over a two-week period.  At the first visit, a woman will receive counseling about the process and an FDA-approved medication guide explaining how it works.  She then will swallow three tablets, each containing 200 milligrams of Mifeprex.  In two days, she will return to take two 200-microgram tablets of misoprostol, a prostaglandin sold under the name Cytotec.  About 12 days later, she’ll return so her doctor can make sure the pregnancy has ended). 

If you want any more information about Mifeprex, here are two websites:

www.earlyoptionpill.com

www.earlyoptions.org or call (800) 772-9100.

If you feel that we should depart ways as a result of this E-mail, let me know.  I still love you, but I hope that I didn’t cause any form of animosity.  But I believe this is a Biblical truth (which is coming to pass according to Matthew 24:36-39).  This states But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.  But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.  For as the days of that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark.  And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.  

God bless you all and I love you all.

Your brother in Christ:

T-Mayne

P.S.  Excuse the length of this!

Complacency & Hebrew Slaves

Complacency: the thief that robs us of our identity and causes us to stay in bondage.

In Exodus 1, Jacob & Joseph had died and there was a new Pharaoh in town (who disregarded God's chosen people). God's people were slaves in Egypt and were treated horribly. They were treated so bad that the Egyptians wanted the Hebrew women to kill the baby boys but let the girls live.

Now fast forward a few chapters into Exodus, after Moses gets the children of Israel over the Red Sea, the children of Israel do one thing that's interesting: complain and want to go back to Egypt and be Hebrew Slaves. They said that they got food to eat, notice they neglected to say they got beaten and cruel treatment. God was trying to test their faith and rely on Him but they failed horribly.

Now, there's a better life for us, are we longing for someone to tell us what to do and be cruel to us? Are you willing to step out on faith or do you want an easy way out? The easy way out is simply complacency and your life withers away.

In my prior blogpost, I briefly mentioned about people on jobs and they are so complacent because it's easy even though their working hard like a Hebrew Slave. But when things go wrong, such as insurance costs go up, retirement is getting cut, salaries are getting cut, everybody wants to complain, but won't step out and cross over to their own Promised Land. They'll still endure the Hebrew Slave treatment and remain complacent.

Think about this: has complacency gotten you to the point where you have amnesia? If so, what do you intend to do about it? Also, why is it that people who are truly complacent remember the insignificant things but ignore the hardships endured to acquire the insignificant things? Think about it, the children of Israel had their backbones beaten just for food. What they should have been thinking about was stepping out on faith to have freedom as well as the horrible treatment endured by the Egyptians. Now, let's bring it to us: are we being told to love your job and being fed from our employer that we should be thankful that we are working for them (just to ensure an ESP - I call that an Economic Stimulus Paycheck, or to ensure insurance, retirements - which for many people those are now in jeopardy)? Are you afraid to take a leap of faith and pursue the freedom and talent that God is calling you to because your employer is telling you that nobody is going to take care of you like we do? Remember, misery loves company. Now, those things (ESP, benefits and paychecks) are really insignificant; however, we ignore having our jobs threatened, having no raise and/or bonus, having our salaries reduced, and having our retirement funding be reduced in order to have the insignificant things. If we're smart enough, we should remember the horrible treatment more than the insignificant things given to us (which aren't even guarantees). That should in itself cause you to want to break free from complacency.

Another thought, remember when I mentioned above that misery loves company? Think about people on your job, and how bitter some of them are because of their complacency and want you to be bitter as well. I’m sure there are people who you work with will complain about you (especially if you refuse to give in to complacency) and then they run to their supervisor and say, “he or she is not conforming to your rules of complacency.” The moral is simply, the subordinate is getting beaten (by threat of loss of job security through termination or demotion, etc.). Again, that should in itself cause you to want to break free from complacency.

When you decide to step out from complacency and you're breaking the chains of Hebrew slaves, I promise you it won't be an easy road. You will have death staring at you (cause the enemy wants you killed). In fact (a little side note), on April 10th, on my way home from church, the light turns green and I'm preparing to make a left turn, a car jumps the divided median and if I hadn't slammed on my brakes, the car would've hit me directly on the driver's side. But the Lord said, not this day, I've got work for you to do here.

There's one more thing I need to bring up. There could be another group that's complacent because they stepped out and faced a setback in the way (whether it be minor or major). To this group, did you forget that setbacks are inevitable? Why did you throw in the towel and willingly go back to the life of complacency and Hebrew Slave treatment? You'll hear some people say when they're in their promised land, "Yes, when I was working for someone, I had a steady paycheck, had a little free time, not too much work to do at times. Why is it so difficult here in the Promised Land? I have to work harder now than I did when I was complacent. Nothing is given to me like before!" How many of you know what I'm talking about? One of my good friends would say, "You're already in your promised land! Yes, you're not going to be eating the same food as you did when you were complacent. Now is not the time to complain and quit (saying, I like having things handed to me)! You have more peace in your spirit and you have freedom!" Another good friend would say this, "you are in your harvest, but most people don't reap the harvest because everybody doesn't put in the necessary work to reap it!" As I think about it, some people quit because they are trying to get rich quick (or they want that instant gratification). No! You are going to have to work, give up some sleep. But it's all worth it. Think about it, most millionaires/billionaires got rich because they made sacrifices, went through discomforts, and a lot of failures. And we have the nerve to sit up and complain they need to give us their money, when we could have the same thing. My brother Darrell would say, "God can bless you with harvesting ideas (to make you a millionaire)." Now what's so difficult about that?

Are the chains of complacency worth breaking? Absolutely. You will feel so free that people will want to experience it also. Let's go to the Promised Land together and let those who want to remain complacent and be treated as Hebrew Slaves stay in the wilderness.

Complacency & Talents

Complacency, it's the thief that steals our true purpose & destiny.  It can happen to the best of us.  Look at your current job, have you become extremely bitter especially if you've been there a long time and have you noticed the people around you extremely bitter (if they've been there a long time)? Let me add to this, how many of you have heard people complain over and over and still remain complacent with their lives? You've probably heard numerous complaints. 

I hope this blogpost will cause you to rise up from your complacency (or should I say your comfort zone) and you can start fulfilling your purpose before you move to the next phase of life.

In Matthew 25:14-30, there's a parable of the talents. One received 5, one received 2 and one received 1. God gave them a specific number of talents based on their hearts (one thing that must be said, God knows the beginning & end. He knows our hearts and what we're going to do with the talents He's blessed us with. Our responsibility is to be faithful with what He's blessed us with). The one who received 5 acquired 10, the one who received 2 acquired 4 and the one who received 1 buried it and acquired 0. When the giver of the talents had them check-in, the giver was pleased with the first two, but for the one who buried the 1 talent, he was angry and told him to give it to one who acquired 10. Now here's a thought-provoking question, why did he have him do that? Also think about this, if you waste your talent, it will be taken from you. And then you'll end up living a life of regrets. A little side note: there will be some people who will love you when you're not using your talents, and will turn around and hate you when you decide to step out and use your talents. Here's another side note: not everybody will want to break free from the complacency syndrome, because they feel the complacency syndrome is convenient (notice I didn't say comfortable, because they're downright miserable inside).

Let's now talk about you, what talent have you buried? I know a lot of people and many of you have made your talents known to me. And I must ask, what are you doing with them? I beg you not to let them go to waste, because your talent is NOT just for you. Only you can do what you do with the talents that have been bestowed upon you. Now you might think your talent is small, but in God's eyes, it's important! No matter how big or small your talent is it's the ticket to put you where you need to be in your life.

If you were to look at the talents from a monetary standpoint and you bury the talents, you're setting yourself up for disappointment and anger against others, God and yourself. I believe your talents are designed by God for you. Some people say "it takes money to make money," that's not true. I agree with my brother Darrell Kelly when he says this, "it takes creativity to make money," considering that your talents are from God and He's the creator of all things. With that said, are you afraid of stepping out in that talent? Are you afraid that you're going to be rejected? Cast your fears aside or else, you'll land in the complacency cycle (where you start complaining and we have to hear comments like this, "the president or government is not taking care of me, my parents are hindering me" and your life withers away). I simply say to that, you're an adult, please GROW UP and GO FOR IT!

God bless.

Freeloading (Part 2)

This will conclude my series on Freeloading. Now, I promised in Part 1 that I was going to discuss homeless people in this part, so here’s what I have to say on that. Most people who have signs out aren’t beggars, they’re really freeloaders. Some of them will actually work 5 days a week but some of them feel they shouldn’t have to work if they don’t want to. So, they’ll put a sign out and collect money from well-deserved people. Making a $100 a day for a beggar is really easy, and as I think about it, most beggars are just hustlers. Now let’s think about that for a moment, if you make $100 a day working 8 hours that equates to $23K a year.

I’ve heard it said, “Its better to give them something to eat versus giving them money.” Not to worry, God will deal with them even if you give them money and they go buy drugs and alcohol. Note that I’m not bashing all beggars, because some of them are really homeless and honest about it. But when it comes to the beggar who’s freeloading, they really don’t want a job and they feel they don’t need a job. That’s what you call a deep sense of entitlement. Most beggars say that the government should give more entitlements to them. A little side note: most freeloaders want a handout and their mentality is “what’s in it for me?”

I need to revisit a section in Part 1 for a moment: remember when I was referring to a woman who was being evicted (and that story), let me expound on that for a moment: it’s wrong when an 85-year-old woman gets evicted because of foreclosure but another woman who hasn’t paid on the mortgage since 1985 and owes $100k but she apparently knows the law (she’s a paralegal) and refuses to leave the house. And then we turn around and blame the banks (this causes people to trash their homes before the bank can take their homes). There are companies that allow people to walk away from their homes (such as www.youwalkaway.com) even though they signed a legal contract. Freeloading is walking away from responsibility. Some companies encourage people to live mortgage free for 8 months. Let’s take a real-life story. Someone in California buys a home for $400K, and the house is now underwater worth $300K. The website mentioned allows you to walk away without owing a penny. Is it legal? Unfortunately, yes. This is saying, “we encourage freeloading!” Most people don’t care about their moral contract when they freeload.

Corporations also freeload. General Electric restructures its company wherever the government goes to receive their handouts. In fact, the government gave them handouts to where they owed no taxes despite the profits earned. In the early days, companies made profits by investors or made profits by ideas. Microsoft (Bill Gates) is the best example, and of course the government got upset and sued Bill Gates for offering free software (interesting thought, huh).

The rich aren’t off the hook also. They freeload just like the poor. Example: flood insurance. Why is it that rich people buy a house on the beach, knowing well enough their house could be damaged by a flood, hurricane or a tide? The answer is simple, because the government requires people to purchase flood insurance (so their house is covered). If you buy a hybrid car, invest in solar power, you get a tax break from the government (or better yet, it’s paid for by the government). Farmers also get handouts from the government – example is Bon Jovi who owns acres after acres and only pays $100 in state property tax (because he raises honeybees which qualify for a honeybee subsidy). Is it unfair? Some would say yes, some would say no. Note that no laws were broken, but they qualified for a tax break. The way to stop this cycle is for Congress not to pass so many laws that encourage freeloading.

Can somebody answer this question: why is it when people receive handouts from the government, they’re worse off (and they want more handouts)? I said to some people in the beginning of 2011, because of the state of the economy, the number of panhandlers will increase for two reasons: 1-survival and 2-some just don’t want to work.

A way to stop freeloading in its tracks is simply, “stop enabling those who are capable of working!” And yes, this requires the discernment of God and knowing that we can’t judge their hearts. Some states have signs in downtown areas saying to give money to a shelter or a charity, and do NOT give money to panhandlers! What about holding people accountable and being responsible unless you’re disabled? Another way to stop freeloading is to empower people and if they don’t want it, move on! When I say empower people, I’m talking about using the Word of God and letting them know they have a purpose in this life.