I support slavery today…not because I want to, but because my tax dollars are diverted against my will to do so.  Slavery comes in many forms – this article is about:

1. the condition of a slave; bondage
   • Bondage:  the state of being bound by or subjected to some external power or control
2. the keeping of slaves as a practice or institution
3. a state of subjection like that of a slave (eg. drug addiction)

1. Jews were slaves in Egypt for 400 years (Exodus 12:40-41) – at the time of their exodus, estimates suggest over 2 million were alive.  Over 4 million Israelite people were enslaved during the 400-year period.  I don't know how many died from slavery vs natural causes.
2. Between 9-15 million black people were enslaved before it was made illegal in the United States.   Thirty percent (3-5 million) of these people died due to  transport and mistreatment as slaves.
3. During Hitler's reign, 5 million Jews were killed.  Many more were in bondage.
4. Over 56 million babies have been put into bondage by their parent(s) and killed since 1973, using US taxpayer funds.  Visit that link and watch the abortion counter ticking by; it's simply tragic that we still tolerate slavery and murder today – and fund it as a society with tax money.

Think about the motivations and mentality of a slaver.  In every example just above, elitism and personal gain are parts of the rationale that guide the behavior.

Elitisim: consciousness of or pride in belonging to a select or favored group – in the case of abortion, that group is "adults".  In other examples, it was Arians, or "whites", or "conquerors", or "the rich".

Jesus has this to say, which is contrary to thoughts of being Elite: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

…and…  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Jesus has this to say about the young children: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven."

God wants us to live according to His laws, so our life can be full and blessed.  He doesn't want us to be oppressed, or slaves, or in bondage to anything or anyone.  What might we be slaves to?

• beauty
• security
• sex
• power
• shopping
• personal freedom (no responsibilities)
• amassing more money
• preserving our lifestyle
• drugs, including alcohol
• posessing things:  cars, electronics, music, clothes
• escapism – fleeing reality through TV, books, movies, and other fantasies
• others – our lives are constantly manipulated by advertising, politics, and schemes

The distractions of this world are endless.  God says:  "Come away from her, my people.  Do not take part in her sins, or you will be punished with her. For her sins are piled as high as heaven, and God remembers her evil deeds."

And Jesus reminds us:  "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

What do we do as part of that full life?  "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere–in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."