TEACH MY GRANDSON: MONEY ISN'T EVERYTHING NOR THE ONLY THING
Money is merely a tool of trade. Money is a fundamental medium of exchange and a tool of trade, serving as a universally accepted token of value that facilitates the buying and selling of goods, services, and resources. It acts as a unit of account and a store of value, allowing for indirect trade that bypasses the limitations of the barter system. Money is neither moral or immoral. What is moral? The word "moral" originates from the Latin moralis ("proper behavior of a person in society"), coined by Cicero to translate the Greek ethikos. It derives from the Latin noun mos (genitive moris), meaning "custom," "manner," or "usage". It entered Middle English in the 14th century via Old French. You are moral or immoral, It's the choices that you make with the tools that God has given you that matters. Some people trade their virtue for money. The idea that people trade money for virtue—or conversely, use money to cultivate, represent, or "buy" virtue—is a complex, evolving concept spanning philosophy, economics, and religion. It suggests that financial capital can be converted into moral capital, though perspectives differ significantly on whether this is a legitimate exchange.
What are the virtues? Virtues are positive character traits, habits, and inner strengths that enable individuals to act in accordance with high moral standards, aiming for personal excellence and the "good life". They represent a consistent disposition to choose good over evil, fostering human flourishing and ethical behavior. Key examples include compassion, courage, honesty, and justice. Character is the internal, authentic, and consistent set of moral values and behaviors an individual possesses, whereas reputation is the external, often temporary, perception of that person held by others. Focusing on strong character builds a long-lasting, accurate reputation, while relying only on image is often fleeting. Compassion? Jesus is your framework for compassion. In fact, Jesus is the only statue in the museum when it comes to each of the examples. But compassion. He is the sum that is greater than all the parts of mankind. He is the "summa cum laude" of God and man. Compassion originates from the Late Latin *compassio*, which translates to "a suffering with another" or "sympathy". It is derived from the prefix com- ("together," "with") and pati ("to suffer" or "to feel"). The term entered Middle English from Old French in the mid-14th century, originally emphasizing a shared experience of pain, and is related to the Greek word sympatheia. Jesus is compassion. Jesus' compassion, a core aspect of his character in the New Testament, is deep empathy for suffering that moves him to action, shown by healing the sick (blind men, leper), feeding the hungry, and comforting the distressed (widow's son), often when people felt like "sheep without a shepherd," embodying God's concern for the marginalized and vulnerable, even displaying a tough side when confronting injustice. The key is empathy not sympathy. Jesus already "suffered for us. He has called us, individually, not the State to "suffer with" each other. Let me make it clear, Jesus said:
"He answered and said unto them, “He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none. And he that hath meat, let him do likewise.” (Luke 3:11)"
In this world, compassion costs. You will need money. Money is a tool to help you exhibit the compassion to share. Have empathy not sympathy. Be as willing to share as you are ready to share. Christ "suffered for us" on a Cross. You "suffer with" your bretheren in Christ by helping to meet their need when they are unable to do so. Don't get locked into tithing. Get locked into giving. Paul’s teachings on giving emphasize voluntary, cheerful, and proportional contribution rather than strict tithing. He instructs believers to give according to their means, willingly, and with a generous heart to support the church and the needy. Giving should be intentional, planned, and motivated by love, not compulsion. While the Old Testament required a 10% tithe, Paul promotes "grace giving" or sacrificial giving that may exceed 10%. Set your budget at 10% and then with steady discipline find various ways to give more. However, never allow your giving to become so taxing that it ruptures your relationship with Christ. God expects you to emulate His Grace not to become a "slave" to another man's imaginary buiding fund. Do Good not Do Burden!
Ambition is essential for all success. You can not take essential risks without ambition. What is ambition? Ambition originates from the Latin ambitiō, meaning "a going around," referring to the Roman political practice of candidates walking around to solicit votes. It derives from ambīre ("to go around"), combining amb- ("around") and ire ("to go"). In English since the 14th century, it shifted from meaning literal soliciting to a strong desire for honor, power, or excellence. Essential risks, in business and life, are the unavoidable threats to objectives, typically categorized as Strategic, Operational, Financial, and Compliance/Reputational, requiring management through strategies like avoidance, reduction, or transfer, while essential personal risks involve taking chances on experiences, growth, and failure for fulfillment. Understanding these categories helps in developing frameworks to safeguard against potential disruptions and achieve goals. Dan Muskowitz in "7 Essential Strategies for Managing Business Risks" writes, "Risk management is crucial for any business, especially during economic downturns. Businesses face external risks, such as market conditions, and internal risks like data breaches. Having a sound risk management strategy prevents or mitigates these risks.' The same for life as business. Seek balance and never apologize for profoundly desiring innovation and improvement. Seeking to prevent the problem rather than complain when the problem comes. Trust me, problems will come. People want those that will run towards a problem with a plan. No plan is perfect but be willing to bend to adapt priniples and character to meet the need. God will give you the gifts, in you or others, to rise to the occassion. Critics of overconfidence point to its dangers in decision-making, leading to risk-taking and delusion, while some also question the cultural push for constant confidence, viewing it as potentially harmful or empty advice, especially when it ignores systemic barriers or comes from an unhelpful "confidence culture". True effectiveness often lies in calibrated confidence, balancing self-assurance with awareness of one's limits and openness to criticism, rather than blind self-belief.
You will be criticized as egotistical or arrogant for being confident out of jealousy or envy or disdain or fear. Yes, psychological perspectives suggest that unwarranted criticism of confident people often stems from the critic's own underlying feelings of insecurity, inadequacy, jealousy, and fear. The confident individual acts as a mirror, reflecting the critic's own perceived shortcomings. Individuals with low self-esteem may feel threatened by someone who is self-assured. Criticizing the confident person is a way for them to feel temporarily superior or to "level the playing field" in their own minds. Envy arises when a person lacks something (like confidence or success) that another possesses and either desires it or wishes the other lacked it. This can lead to a "critical spirit" where the envious person tears down the confident person's achievements. Critics may project their own fears onto others. Seeing someone confidently pursue goals may highlight the critic's own fear of taking risks or failing, leading to resentment and criticism. Unfulfilled individuals may unconsciously use the person being criticized as a mirror, projecting their own faults and struggles onto them. Sometimes, an insecure person may try to control or dominate others through criticism to cover up their own deep-seated issues. I want to be the first to introduce you to crabs-in-a-barrel behavior which is prominent in the world. Crabs in a barrel behavior, also called "crab mentality" or "crab-bucket effect," describes a mindset where people in a group try to pull down anyone who tries to escape or succeed, preventing collective progress out of jealousy, insecurity, or a belief in zero-sum gain (if I can't have it, neither can you). This destructive pattern, likened to crabs in a bucket pulling each other down, fosters negativity, undermines individual achievement, and creates conflict within communities, often rooted in fear or a sense of powerlessness. Burcu Uzum,Yasemin Ozdemir, Semra Kose, Osman Seray Ozkan, and Okan Seneldir in "Crab barrel syndrome: Looking through the lens of type A and type B personality theory and social comparison process" write, "To put it another way: crab barrel syndrome is the thought “If I cannot do it, neither can you,” mixed with jealousy or hatred and turned into behavior (Caples, 2016). It is the display of negative behaviors by a person dominated by jealousy and feeling anxious or worried in the face of others’ success. Crab barrel syndrome can psychologically hurt both the person exhibiting crab mentality and the person being targeted, and results in social affairs in which at least the two parties interact (Ozdemir and Uzum, 2019) and often leads to conflict." Don't apologize for being gifted by God. You were placed here for this time and to meet the needs of the problems that you will face.. Don't shy away from questions but always be willing to research and put forth a plan.
2 Corinthians 9:6-15 King James Version
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
A man gave $1,000,000 to an organization that directly passed the money along to heal lepers and provide for their needs. The man was vehemently criticised by his Pastor and church for not giving the money to the building fund. "Do you know how many lepers could have sat in our new cushioned pews?" Not healed but waiting on a healing in a new, improved building with a choir in new robes. The man responded, "I DON'T KNOW. HOW MANY SIT THERE NOW?" The berating became so great that he and his family left the church and invested elsewhere the $10,000,000 that they were going to donate to the church! Did his giving glorify God? Yes. There were 50 lepers healed and not relegated to sitting in the back of a new church building, praying for a healing.
Money isn't everything but courage goes a long way to building a character that can wisely handle it! Courage (also called bravery, valour (British and Commonwealth English), or valor (American English)) is the choice and willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Valor is courage or bravery, especially in battle. The opposite of courage is cowardice. I hope you are not be raised to cower. Ernest Hemingway in "Men at War," writes, "Cowardice, as distinguished from panic, is almost always simply a lack of ability to suspend the functioning of the imagination." Cowardice (n.) is "want of courage to face danger, dread of harm or pain," c. 1300, from Old French coardise (13c.), from coard, coart "coward" (see coward) + noun suffix -ise. A coward (n.) is "one who lacks courage to meet danger or shrinks from the chance of being hurt," mid-13c., from Anglo-French couard, couart, Old French coart "coward" (no longer the usual word in French, which has now in this sense poltron, from Italian, and lâche), from coe "tail," from Latin coda, popular dialect variant of cauda "tail" (see coda) + -ard, an agent noun suffix denoting one that carries on some action or possesses some quality, with derogatory connotation (see -ard). The word probably reflects an animal metaphoric sense still found in expressions like turning tail and tail between legs. Coart was the name of the hare in Old French versions of "Reynard the Fox." Italian codardo, Spanish cobarde (Old Spanish couarde) are from French. The spelling in English was influenced by cow (v. and n.). As a surname (attested from mid-13c.) it represents Old English cuhyrde "cow-herd." As an adjective, "lacking courage, timorous," from late 13c. Farmer has coward's castle "a pulpit," "Because a clergyman may deliver himself therefrom without fear of contradiction or argument."
In my day, girls on the playground would call them "sissy boys"! A "sissy boy" (or "sissy") is a derogatory term for a boy or man perceived as effeminate, lacking traditional masculine traits like toughness, athleticism, or stoicism, and often showing interest in stereotypically feminine things or behaviors, used to shame gender non-conformity and enforce rigid gender roles, though it can also refer to specific kink subcultures. The InfoSciPedia defines it this way:
"Gay men who are feminine in their gender expression, or gay “sissy boys,” are paradoxically loved and loathed in American culture. Drag queens, a Queer subculture where gay sissy boys don costumish clothing and makeup, transgress gender, and entertain masses, are similarly adored and despised. This Queer chic phenomenon coupled with the reality of Queer oppression creates a challenging, yet exciting window of pedagogical opportunity for Queer faculty in higher education. Using an autobiographical lens, editorials, and drag colloquialisms, the author's unique academic perspective as a gay sissy boy and drag queen will exemplify and analyze 1) how gay sissy boy outrageousness and authenticity can be disarming, alluring, and empowering for students and 2) how drag can illuminate student learning and growth in spite of themselves and their masks. Couched in critical theory, social reconstructionism, and existentialism, the author presents the “DIVA Pedagogy” model to highlight how Queer camp culture can activate student engagement about diversity, social justice, and activism."
I hope you are being raised to be a real man. Men run towards danger, agony and fear. That takes courage! Those that run from and away danger, agony and fear and snap camera phone pictures of their departure are cowards. In the Bible, a coward (or "cowardly") is someone whose fear leads to unbelief, disobedience, and a refusal to trust God, especially under pressure, causing them to shrink back from challenges or deny Christ, contrasting with God's gift of power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). The Greek word deilos, used in Revelation 21:8, means timid or faithless, describing those who prioritize self-preservation over loyalty to God, leading to spiritual destruction. In the Bible, there was a real coward named Barak.
Judges 4-5: The story of Barak is primarily found in these chapters, where he partners with the prophetess Deborah to lead Israel in battle against the Canaanite general Sisera.
Divine Command: Deborah calls Barak to arms, instructing him that God would deliver Sisera into his hands. Despite his initial hesitance, Barak agrees to lead the army, but only if Deborah accompanies him.
Barak is often interpreted in modern theology as a courageous, yet flawed, figure whose faith in God enabled him to overcome fear and lead Israel to victory, rather than being solely defined by his initial reluctance. While Judges 4 highlights his dependence on Deborah, his inclusion in Hebrews 11:32-34 (the "Hall of Faith") affirms his ultimate courage and obedience, positioning him as a leader who operated through faith despite weakness.
When Barak hesitated to obey God's command to fight Sisera unless Deborah accompanied him (Judges 4:8), Deborah agreed to go but told him that his hesitation would cost him the honor of the victory.
She said:
"I will certainly go with you; nevertheless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman" (Judges 4:9).
Who killed Sisera?
In the Bible (Judges 4 and 5), Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army, was killed by a woman named Jael (or Yael), the wife of Heber the Kenite. After fleeing a battle against the Israelites, Jael offered him refuge in her tent, gave him milk to drink, and while he slept, she drove a tent peg through his temple with a hammer.
Barak, Courageous or Coward?
There are many a compromised soul, in life, that will tell you that "money is the root of all evil" and steer you towards poverty and social justice. "The white man owes you!" From the poem "Black People" by the beatnik poet Amiri Baraka (also known as LeRoi Jones).:
“The white man owes you anything you want, even his life. All the stores will open if you say the magic words. The magic words are: Up against the wall motherf***er; this is a stick-up!”
People will attempt to maliciously, but everso sweetly, manipulate your mind for their ill gotten gain and control of your money. Race, color, creed (religion), and national origin are protected characteristics under U.S. anti-discrimination laws like the Civil Rights Act, prohibiting unfair treatment in employment and federally assisted programs based on physical appearance (race/color), beliefs (creed/religion), or ancestry/place of origin (national origin). These terms define grounds for illegal discrimination, covering anything from hiring to harassment, and protect people from bias related to their shared ancestry, customs, language, or religious practices. Don't believe me? The Nation of Islam (NOI) seeks to project an image of Black empowerment, self-sufficiency, discipline, and moral elevation, positioning itself as a force for the liberation and improvement of African Americans. The NOI's foundational message revolves around "teach[ing] the downtrodden and defenseless Black people a thorough knowledge of god and of themselves," fostering racial pride and advocating for the creation of an independent African American nation-state. Racial pride is not built on manipulating the minds of weakened people. But it has been! The Nation of Islam believes and preaches that whites were created by a man called "Yakub".
Yakub (also spelled Yacub or Yaqub) is a figure in the mythology of the Nation of Islam (NOI) and its offshoots. According to the NOI's doctrine, Yakub was a black Meccan scientist who lived 6,600 years ago and created the white race. According to the story, following his discovery of the law of attraction and repulsion, he gathered followers and began the creation of the white race through a form of selective breeding referred to as "grafting" on the island of Patmos; Yakub died at the age of 150, but his followers continued the process after his death. According to the NOI, the white race was created with an evil nature, and were destined to rule over black people for a period of 6,000 years through the practice of "tricknology," which ended in 1914. Yakub is identified with two biblical figures: the patriarch Jacob and John of Patmos from the Book of Revelation.
The Nation of Islam (NOI) doesn't publicly disclose current revenue, but historical data from the 1970s shows significant economic activity, with annual revenues around $30 million and a net worth of $80 million by 1975, growing through businesses like farms, food distribution, and the Muhammad Speaks newspaper; current figures aren't available, but their past economic programs were extensive. The Nation of Islam (NOI) and its affiliated entities have received hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding from the U.S. federal government and some state governments through contracts for specific services. It does not receive general government funding as a religious organization, but through contracts or specific grants. The NOI and its leaders received at least $364,500 in contracts and awards from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Justice between fiscal years 2008 and 2019 to provide "Nation of Islam religious services," "spiritual guide services," and other related programs for federal inmates. In 1994, it was reported that NOI affiliates received millions of dollars annually to provide security at public housing developments in several major cities including Baltimore, Philadelphia, Chicago, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh through contracts with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with some estimates placing the total at $20 million to $30 million per year at that time. Affiliates such as Muhammad Farms may also have received federal farm subsidies, though their specific tax status as a religious organization (which is not required to file a public Form 990) makes exact figures difficult to track publicly. An estimated $30 million annually from numerous businesses! Even weak and manipulated minds can make money!
The Nation of Islam (NOI) composition primarily consists of African Americans and people of African descent, focused on Black self-sufficiency, Black nationalism, and a distinct interpretation of Islam, viewing themselves as descendants of an "Original Asiatic Race" and opposing racial integration, with members drawn to its message of empowerment and separation from white society, although the group's beliefs are considered heterodox and controversial, including antisemitic views. The Nation of Islam (NOI) primarily comprises African American men from marginalized backgrounds and addresses mental health through an emphasis on "knowledge of self," strict discipline, and community support, which it considers a path to personal rehabilitation and a sense of purpose. Its approach differs significantly from mainstream Islamic perspectives. There will be those that seek to advantage you for their own gain. Depositing ignorance and harvesting your fruits.
People who take advantage of others for money often display personality traits associated with the "Dark Triad" (narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy), exhibiting a lack of empathy, a sense of entitlement, and manipulative skills. They view others as a means to an end and are primarily driven by self-serving motivations like greed, power, and control. Research suggests a link between radical left-wing anti-hierarchical aggression and psychopathic traits, particularly a willingness to use violence for ideological ends, though this isn't universal, with some studies finding such traits more associated with dark personality profiles in extreme political activism generally, rather than just one side. Both radical left and right authoritarians can share core psychological traits, with ideology serving a need for power, and specific dark traits like meanness and disinhibition predicting support for radical action, irrespective of specific political leanings, notes ScienceDirect.com. Alex Mitchell of The New York Post in "Left-wing extremism linked to psychopathy and narcissism: study" writes, "Left-wing extremism is linked to toxic, psychopathic tendencies and narcissism, according to a new study published to the peer-reviewed journal Current Psychology.
“Based on existing research, we expected individuals with higher levels of left-wing authoritarianism to also report higher levels of narcissism,” the authors wrote.
As result of the new data, study authors Ann Krispenz and Alex Bertrams have coined a new term for such psychological behavior: the “dark-ego-vehicle principle.”"
Grandson, stay with me. Control your mind! Control your money! Avoid the left wing!
TEACH MY GRANDSON: MONEY ISN'T EVERYTHING NOR THE ONLY THING
Honesty. It is one of the most powerful tools in your money belt. Honesty is a core virtue meaning truthfulness, fairness, and sincerity, involving acting without deceit, lying, or stealing, and aligning actions with one's true self, forming the foundation for trust, strong relationships, integrity, and self-awareness, although it's a learned value requiring effort and courage, especially when difficult. It's crucial for personal well-being (reducing stress), healthy social bonds, and ethical conduct, fostering respect and open communication, but requires constant nurturing against temptations to be dishonest. Honesty derives from the Latin honestus ("honorable, respected"), rooted in honos or honor, signifying respectability and reputation. Entering Middle English via Old French honesté (12c.) in the 14th century, it originally meant splendor, elegance, or noble behavior before evolving to denote truthfulness, virtue, and integrity by c. 1400. Being "distrustful in a few things" means you're wary or suspicious about specific situations, people, or topics, often due to past negative experiences like dishonesty or broken promises, leading you to question motives and expect negative outcomes, which is different from a general lack of trust (mistrust) but can stem from similar roots like betrayal. It's a common, situational response, where you might trust your family but not strangers online or certain foods, reflecting a healthy skepticism in specific areas rather than a pervasive inability to trust. Jesus taught that faithfulness in small things demonstrates character for greater responsibilities, as seen in Luke 16:10: "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much". This means managing minor tasks, daily decisions, and handling resources responsibly reveals one's true integrity, and a lack of trust (or "unbelief") in these areas, like Peter's doubt when walking on water (Matthew 14:31), shows a spiritual weakness Jesus addresses. It's not lost on Jesus, and shouldn't be lost on you, that we live in a deceitful world. Your first sin was probably telling a lie. You did so probably to protect your Mother from being hurt and to protect yourself from being punished. As soon as you confess to the Lord that you have the ability to lie then you can prepare yourself to live in a deceitful world.
Honesty is princely but honesty to a fault is dangeous. Telling a lie can be "safe" or justified to prevent immediate harm, protect vulnerable individuals (like children or the mentally fragile) from overwhelming truths, or preserve someone's dignity/feelings (white lies). Situations include lying to an abuser, an intoxicated person, or someone near death, where truth could cause greater damage than the lie, but often a strategic half-truth or deflecting is better than a direct falsehood. You must be wise enough to discern a thing. Being "wise enough to discern a thing" means having the insight to judge well, distinguish truth from error, and make sound choices by understanding complexities, contexts, and motives beyond surface appearances, often involving spiritual or deep inner knowing to separate good from bad, helpful from harmful. It's wisdom applied to practical situations, recognizing subtle differences like a friendly smile vs. hidden intent or true blessing vs. something that only looks good, using principles and inner guidance. Suzanne Degges-White Ph.D. of Psychology Today in "Is It Ever Okay to Tell a Lie?", writes, "There are two factors involved when you are deciding whether or not to use a white lie to obscure the truth: The measure the intent of the lie and the potential fallout if you’re found out. Weigh these factors carefully before you risk telling a lie, no matter how “harmless” it may seem. If the benefits to yourself outweigh the costs to the other, the lie is likely better off untold." Always discern a thing.
One of the greatest lies ever told is in the Bible. It was for good. The midwives discerned a thing! Yes, the Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah lied to Pharaoh in the Book of Exodus, telling him Hebrew women were too vigorous to need their help and gave birth before midwives arrived, allowing them to save the male babies as commanded by Pharaoh to kill them, which is presented as an act of fearing God over obeying an unjust ruler, leading to God blessing them. The truth is in Exodus Chapter 1:15-22. GotQuestions.org in "Should the Hebrew midwives be commended for lying?" write, "Similar cases such as the one faced by the Hebrew midwives can be found throughout biblical history and into our own time. Although rare, some situations seem to call for an obscuring of truth in the face of evil. Rahab’s falsehood when hiding the Israelite spies from the king of Jericho (Joshua 2; James 2:25–26) is one example. Those who hid Jews from the Nazis in World War II are another. It seems that, when innocent human lives are at stake, choosing the lesser of two evils is appropriate.
Another important principle is illustrated in the story of the Hebrew midwives. We need not obey mankind’s authorities if they require us to do something that goes against God’s higher law. As Peter and the other apostles said, “We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Acts 5:29). The Hebrew midwives obeyed God’s will before Pharaoh’s will, and God rewarded them richly."
Never lie about finances regarding yourself or others! Keep the digits in order. Now regarding your finances learn to keep things private. Why keep things private? Because you live in a deceitful world! Keeping things private protects your security, fosters personal growth, reduces drama, and maintains control over your narrative, allowing you to build stronger self-esteem and focus on your own path without unwanted opinions or scrutiny, which also enhances relationships by creating deeper trust and respect. It's about preserving your well-being, reputation, and autonomy by being selective with who you share your life with and when, making privacy a tool for safety and self-discovery, You earn a $1,000 for doing a modeling shoot on a Tuesday. Do you tell your mother, family that you never see, strangers,, passerbys on the street? Mom is an iffey, everyone else is a firm no! Why? Not everyone wants to celebrate you, Some want to deceive you, including family. Your great grandmother, Marva, told me before I left home for school every morning, "Your closest friends are behind this door when you clooe it." She wasn't telling me not to make friends or have a good time. She was telling me that the most private and intimate was at home. Be guarded!
Jonah Goldberg in "Why Does the Left Continue to Lie About Its Ideological Agenda?" writes, "This is a pattern. For whatever reason, liberals feel compelled — whether out of self-delusion or deliberate deception — to lie about the fact that they are liberals. Consider The New Republic, once the flagship journal of American liberalism. When Facebook multimillionaire Chris Hughes took it over a couple years ago, he had bold plans (which have ended in near-complete failure).
For whatever reason, liberals feel compelled — whether out of self-delusion or deliberate deception — to lie about the fact that they are liberals. In his mission statement Hughes proclaimed, “The journalism in these pages will strive to be free of party ideology or partisan bias.” Whatever you may think of The New Republic these days, this was a ridiculous thing to say, and it’s proven to be an even more vacuous fog of nonsense words since then. Indeed, in the very same issue, Hughes conducted a fawning and utterly partisan and ideological interview with Obama.
There’s something almost Soviet in this compulsion to follow a party line so disconnected to the reality it allegedly describes."
The temporal things are not worth deceiving yourself. You can not serve God and money. The idea that "Judas Iscariot" represents "social justice" is a controversial interpretation, suggesting he was a political zealot against Roman oppression or a "social justice warrior" (SJW) motivated by perceived injustices, contrasting his actions with Jesus' spiritual focus. Some see his protest about selling perfume for the poor (John 12:5) as evidence of social concern, while others argue it was a pretext for his greed, with Jesus' response highlighting individual devotion over social activism as the ultimate priority. The comparison often serves as a critique, framing Judas as someone overly focused on earthly social change at the expense of divine love, or as a cautionary tale against substituting true faith with mere activism, notes The Rhode Island Catholic.
xpseudonymx in "The Patron "Saint" of Social Justice with Our Blessed Lord!" writes, "What our Lord says to Judas, he says to the world today: You seemingly are very interested in social justice. Why are you not concerned about individual justice? You love your neighbor, why do you not love God? This is the attitude of the world today. We have swung away from a period in which we were concerned with individual sanctification to the neglect of the social order. Now we have gone to the extreme of being immersed with social justice, civil rights, and so forth, and we are not the least bit concerned about individual justice and the duty of paying honor and glory to God. If you march with a banner, if you protest, then your individual life may be impure, alcoholic, anything you please. That does not matter. Judas is the patron saint of those who divide that universal law of God: Love God and love neighbor.” You can either worship Jesus or Judas!
The idea that "Judas is social justice" is a provocative, modern interpretation suggesting Judas Iscariot acted as a "social justice warrior" (SJW) by challenging injustices, particularly the use of expensive perfume instead of giving to the poor (John 12:5). While some see this as a parallel to contemporary activism for the poor, others argue Judas was motivated by greed (stealing from the money bag) and his actions weren't true charity but a cover for selfish motives, contrasting with genuine faith and love for God and neighbor, making him a cautionary figure, not a hero.
Protect your money and your reputation~ You can only get one back.
Justice. I am a huge proponent of individual rights and justice. In order to become a great and mighty Nation, you must do justice and give good judgement. In Genesis 18:19, it is written, "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." In Blue Letter Bible Lexicon :Strong's H6666 - ṣᵊḏāqâ, meaning:
- justice, righteousness
- righteousness (in government)
- of judge, ruler, king
- of law
- of Davidic king Messiah
- righteousness (of God's attribute)
- righteousness (in a case or cause)
- righteousness, truthfulness
- righteousness (as ethically right)
- righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation
- of God
- prosperity (of people)
- righteous acts
Always do justice and be righteous. Justice in the Bible, rooted in God’s character, emphasizes righteousness (tsedaqah) and fairness (mishpat), prioritizing the active protection and restoration of vulnerable people—specifically widows, orphans, immigrants, and the poor. It goes beyond legalism, calling for actionable care, social fairness, and the dismantling of oppression. Christine Erickson in "Biblical Justice & Social Justice", writes, "In contrast to social justice, which focuses on a temporal view of addressing injustices in society, biblical justice starts with the eternal in mind. It starts by seeing people as God sees them – recognizing that we are all created in the image of God. And it is incumbent upon Christ-followers to pursue physical and spiritual freedom for the oppressed so others can also become what God created them to be. If we have experienced freedom, how can we not pursue freedom on behalf of others?" Treat everyone with respect but believe them when they tell you who they are and what they believe. If similar to you, you can build friendships. Otherwise, you will build confusion and delusion. The phrase "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace" comes from 1 Corinthians 14:33 in the King James Version (KJV) Bible, written by the Apostle Paul, addressing the Corinthian church about orderly worship, though some translations use "disorder" instead of "confusion," leading to discussions about its precise meaning and God's role in creating chaos. Satan is widely described as the "father of lies" (John 8:44) and the source of confusion, contrasting with God, who is the "author of peace, not confusion" (1 Corinthians 14:33), with Satan using deceit and twisting truth to sow discord and lead people away from God's order and peace. He instills doubt, presents falsehoods that mimic truth, and creates mental turmoil through fear and anxiety, all to mislead individuals. Always do justice and look out for the vulnerable.
Learn the Power of Compound Interest and the Rule of 72. Albert Einstein is widely credited with calling compound interest "the eighth wonder of the world," stating, "He who understands it, earns it... he who doesn't, pays it". While often attributed to him, there is no direct evidence he actually said it. The concept describes exponential growth, where interest is earned on both the principal and previous interest, crucial for long-term wealth. Compound interest is earning interest on your initial deposit (principal) and on the accumulated interest from previous periods, creating an "interest on interest" effect that makes money grow faster over time, like a snowball rolling downhill. It's calculated by adding earned interest back to the principal, with compounding frequency (daily, monthly, annually) and higher rates accelerating growth, contrasting with simple interest, which only pays on the original principal. The Rule of 72 is a simple financial shortcut to estimate how long an investment takes to double (or debt to double) by dividing 72 by the annual interest/growth rate, revealing the power of compound interest. For example, at 8% interest, it takes about 9 years (72/8=9) to double your money, while at 10%, it's roughly 7.2 years (72/10=7.2). It's a handy mental math tool for investments, savings, and understanding high-interest debt. These are the foundations of financial literacy. You learn these and you are well on your way to building your financial empire.
You can only serve God or money. It ain't money!
There are 12 things that you will be criticized for. Prepare yourself and Stand Strong in the Lord!
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