Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester,OK
May 1, 2012

“Is the World Draining You?”
“…Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house…lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich the house of another.” – Proverbs 5:8, 10

“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” – Romans 6:15-18

This verse from Proverbs describes perfectly a system known as, serfdom. Serfdom was (and unfortunately in some parts still is) the socio-economic status of non-free peasants under the system known as feudalism, and specifically relates to Manorialism (land ownership). It was a condition of bondage or modified slavery which developed primarily during the High Middle Ages in Europe. Serfdom was the enforced labor of serfs (slaves) on the fields of landowners, in return for protection and the right to work on their leased fields.,br /> Serfdom involved not only work in fields, but also various other activities, like forestry, mining, transportation (both land and river-based), and crafts. Manors formed the basic unit of society during this period, and the lord and his serfs were bound legally, economically, and socially. Serfs were laborers who were bound to the land; they formed the lowest social class of the feudal society. Serfs were also defined as people in whose labor landowners held property rights. Before the 1861 abolition of serfdom in Russia, a landowner's estate was often measured by the number of "souls" he owned. Feudalism in Europe evolved from agricultural slavery in the late Roman Empire and spread through Europe around the 10th century; it flourished in Europe during the Middle Ages but lasted until the 19th century in some countries. The Black Death broke the established social order and weakened serfdom. For example, serfdom was de facto ended in France by Philip IV, Louis X (1315), and Philip V (1318). With the exception of a few isolated cases, serfdom had ceased to exist in France by the 15th century.
A number of people will look at this and wonder what this has to do with the Scripture reference from Proverbs? The argument being that had it not been for the land owners a great number of these individuals may have died.
Indeed, slavery has existed for as long as history has been recorded. The Book of the Law of the Old Testament provided instructions on how slaves or servants should be treated.,br /> But then you read what Paul has to say in Romans it makes perfect sense what Solomon says in this verse—it is all about what, how much, and who we give to that makes the difference in our lives! These individuals mentioned above were bound, body, heart and soul to the owners. There is a difference between being a servant and being enslaved with little or no hope of overcoming your condition. Being a slave to sin means giving your best to that which only takes but does not give in return!
The concept of tithing is not entirely about giving money, but the giving of one’s “first-fruits” to God. That could also include our time, our love, and our energy. Which, when given in the right proportion leaves ample resources for our families, our jobs or others areas of importance. God knew what He was doing when he created us and knows what we are capable of! By avoiding the adulteress, we avoid all the things, spiritually, physically, emotionally and psychologically that could and would drain us of the resources that are intended for the right things.
Also, did you notice that it says that serfs formed the lowest class of society? I do not believe we were intended for that. We are heirs of God and Co-heirs of Christ. It is one thing to be a “laborer.” There is no disgrace is working hard. But are you giving your best to something that takes and takes and takes…but does not give? That is the difference!
Pastor J. T. Carnell