BE A RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN

COMPLIANCE

Are you in compliance with your community/state/territory or systems?

Compliance means, " The action or fact of complying with a wish or command." Too often individuals complain about the systems and their community, but they are not victims but perpetrators. Even faith believing individuals are caught up in some of the snares that create the evil in the community/territory.

One becomes afraid when they are out of compliance. Here are some examples:

1. If you are driving with an expired driver's license, registration or insurance you will try to avoid the policeman or be careful not to have an accident. 
2. If you are not honest in paying your taxes you will be mindful of the IRS
3. If you are writing bad checks you will dodge the collectors and bank representatives.
4. If you are stealing from your employer you will become anxious when the boss is around.
5. If you are harboring an offender you will be very watchful of the Law.
6. If you are a habitual liar you will be afraid of being caught.
7. If you are not paying your tithes and giving with a cheerful heart you will avoid engagement within the church.

If you are in compliance with the law you should not be afraid. Take a look at the scripture below in the MSG version however, please read the KJV/TLB and other version of your choice- They will send the same message.

Romans 13: 3-5

Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you’re breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live.

How's your conscience?

TODAY'S FOCUS: DOING WHAT IT RIGHT

Are you robbing "God or Caesar?" Scripture says give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to Him? (Mark 12: 17)

You may say that this scripture does not apply to you or you may not be guilty of the examples above- But are doing what is right? Are you a contributor to the ills in the community that you live in? A look at the more subtle examples spiritually or naturally may seem insignificant, but they are evil in nature and intent.

You lie to scheme you way out of trouble or to get benefits

You tell the children or answer the phone yourself and say you are not home

You ask a co-worker to punch in for you while you not at work

You give an excuse when you don't want to do something

You exact from others over the worth

You sell something under false pretense

You are dishonest in your personal/business dealings

You are not straight forward even if it's to protect yourself/others

You engage in behaviors that are not becoming

You make light of mischief

You call evil good and call good evil

You do not stand up for truth or righteousness

You are partial and have discriminative preferences

You avoid processes and policies by always looking for a shortcut

You assist others to cheat, lie etc...

You cover things that need to be brought out

You keep quiet when you should speak out

You refuse to help when you can .........

Most people feel if they are not directly associated with a situation they should not be concerned about it. I am not referring to danger or meddling in other people's business. However, some things that are happening and you know fully well that it should be reported to save the life of someone, or prevent further recurrence should be reported or addressed accordingly.

Doing what is right requires you to sometimes expose truth about yourself and people in high position and places. Like Esther had to expose Haman. Had she not done that she would also be affected because eventually they would trace the association of Mordecai. As Mordecai told Esther - so the word to you is, "who knows if you were placed into the kingdom for such a time as this. (Esther 4)

Remember, you must be a responsible citizen. Do what is required within the law and not just within the law of man, but more so be obedient to the laws and commandments of God. You have no need of fear or terror if you consciously do what is lawful and right in the sight of God and man. You would be free from the authority and fear. Know that God has place authority as servants for good and not too punish the upright but the wrongdoer. Therefore it is necessary to submit to the authorities as the MSG version states, not only because of possible punishment but also to keep your conscience clean. DO WHAT IS RIGHT ALWAYS!

God Bless and Keep the Faith

Virtuous Jewel