Oppression
So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter. (Ecclesiastes 4:1)
Thought For Today:
It appears that there is a significant amount of oppression present in the church these days. Many individuals seem to be struggling with worry, stress, and other difficulties. I have taken it upon myself to investigate the root of this issue and find a viable solution. What I have discovered is that the majority of this oppression is self-inflicted. Many people believe that bigger is better, success is measured by quantity, and pleasing others is more important than pleasing God. As children of God, we should not allow oppression, depression, weariness, or stress to have a place in our lives. We have been blessed with countless promises from God that should outweigh these negative emotions.
I have discovered during my search that some churches have transformed into businesses. They have created various departments, and appointed heads and committees, which do not resemble a church anymore. When a church turns into a business, people become concerned about their time. They worry about punching in and out on time and do not want to exceed their designated time. Many individuals in such churches suffer from hair loss, premature aging, aches and pains, and insomnia. It is sad to see how some born-again believers become their own worst enemy in such an environment. I guess the quote was right when it says, "We Have Found The Enemy and He Is Us." Paul told the church at Corinth, "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3). You know, Jesus was correct and straight forward when he said, "For the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light" Luke 16:8). And all the while I was doing my search for the cause of oppression and looking for a solution, the Lord kept speaking to me what Hosea said, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." So here is your solution to oppression. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee”(Isaiah 26:3).
