“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Thomas Jefferson (U.S. Declaration of Independence)
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3.28
Egalitarian: “of, relating to, or believing in the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities” New Oxford American Dictionary
When Thomas Jefferson wrote the words I quoted out of the United States Declaration of Independence, it was with the knowledge that slavery still existed in the world, the new states, and in his own home. Abolishing it would be a long uphill fight, and I'm not sure even Jefferson understood the true implications of the words he wrote in his famous preamble. Still he wrote them, and they have become a beacon of freedom for people throughout the world. Nonetheless, some have charged that Jefferson was a hypocrite and that he doesn't really deserve his place on the mantle of U.S. or world history. But while it's true, Thomas Jefferson was not a perfect shinning light for morality in all he did throughout his life, I believe God impressed upon his heart to write what he knew was true, what was nearly the entire reason for the fight for independence from Great Britain. Sometimes when God calls us to do His work every part of us wants to refuse, citing imperfections and delinquencies that seemingly would prohibit our involvement in the work of God. But if God were to wait for perfect people to do His perfect work, could you imagine the progress that would be made? God's perfection is almost always represented through imperfect mediums. No matter what our situation in life, whether we are in prison, or living in a monastery, we are all in a position to do the work of God. Let's forget the accusations of hypocrisy, reject the labels placed on us, and give our lives for more than ourselves. I think we'll all be surprised at how trying to change the lives of others can change ours.
Daily Journaling Questions:
How did I help someone today?
What act of kindness did I perform today?
What did I learn today?
Who did I love today?
What about today do I want to remember forever?
What are my goals for tomorrow?
Thanks for reading.
Jake
YOU ARE READING
Daily Self Growth Journal Pt. III
Non-FictionThis is the third in a series of interactive journals designed to help people grow personally, spiritually, and possibly even professionally. There is a daily message that contains a motivational quote, a Bible verse, a vocabulary word, and a messa...
