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Three steps to real freedom

Ryan Chia

I recently read a book that addressed the grave mistakes governments make that often result in the deaths of millions of people and the loss of a great deal of money. The author suggests that when governments make decisions based on ideologies rather than practical realities, these are the expected results.

This guy knows (not). If he were the supreme advisor to these governments, he would save the world!

Another article I read recently explained that investors who took a traditional investment route did better than those who employed complicated approaches like hedge funds and emerging markets.

So, this fellow is more intelligent than everyone else. He figured it out!

Another article concluded, after a very long scientific study in Miami, that men behave remarkably differently when in front of women; furthermore, this observation seemed to affect the men more than the women when they are both together.

Thousands of years ago, the Talmud explained the importance of separating men and women at events where concentration is needed, more for the sake of the men than for the women!

Here is my point:

The Bible commands us to free ourselves daily from internal bondage—constraints that repress the infinite potential of the Godly spark within. On three progressive levels, the Bible discusses the end goal of the plagues God sent on Egypt. These are the levels at which true freedom is attained, and an open channel is created to receive all of God’s blessings. 

1. “That you will know that I am God.”

2. “You will know I am God in the midst of the earth.”

3. “That you will know that there is no one else but God.”

Pharaoh (and the force that Pharaoh represented within each person) proclaims, “I do not know God that I should heed his voice.” Internal biases make it hard for a person to see how he, the world, and an infinite, miraculous, and kind God all affect each other.

This person sees everything as the result of his efforts, period. Everything needs to make logical sense in his mind, or else he deems it irrational and nonsensical. He claims the brighter the person, the better the chance for success in war, wealth, and health.

If that is true, why are more and more studies concluding that having an advanced degree is no more a guarantee of success and happiness than not having the degree?

Why do intelligent investors and economists often fail to “get it” or “make it”? Weren’t they as bright when they failed as when they succeeded?

For someone who cultivates his faith every day, his life is a life worthy of its name. He spends his entire existence immersed in meaning, purpose, and goodness. When things are good, they are good, and when they are not going well, to his understanding, it is also good because he has faith and trust that God will have pity on him and the goodwill soon be revealed; and if it all comes from the wise and compassionate God, it must be good now.

Once in a small town, they all gathered to pray for rain. Only one guy brought his umbrella. This is faith.

When a child is thrown in the air, he laughs and enjoys every moment because he knows someone will catch him. This is trust.

We set the alarm clock every night before bed, even though no one could guarantee the next day. This is hope.

Knowing that there is an all-powerful, all-knowing God in the midst of the Earth and that there is nothing else and nurturing this faith is the key to freedom from one’s Egypt — eternal freedom from constricting bondage. This faith and trust are the only way to blessings and happiness.

Chapter 174 www.aspiritualsoulbook.com

About the Author
Rabbi Shlomo Ezagui is an author and lecturer. "A Spiritual Soul Book" www.aspiritualsoulbook.com & "Maimonides Advice for the 21st Century" www.maimonidesadvice.com. Rabbi Ezagui opened in 1987 the first Chabad Center in Palm Beach County, Florida, and the first Orthodox Synagogue on the Island of Palm Beach, Florida.
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