Wednesday, November 19, 2008

A Higher Precept

“And because iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:12

APPLICATION OF THE WORD

Selfishness, greed, materialism, envy, covetousness, lack of concern about fairness, mercy, equity, and balance leads to disintegration of society (the second commandment of Christ is ‘love thy neighbor as thyself’).

The lack of spiritual purpose leads to the erosion of mutual concern and mutual respect. Consequently, there will be widespread doubt as to who to trust or believe. Core institutions such as the government, the church, and the family deteriorate into fearful, legalistic, superficial, non-committal, exploitive and weak barriers against the spirit of doubt, fear, greed and exploitation that operates in each of us.

Churches will focus on personal benefits, teaching that Christ will bless ‘me’ instead of teaching that the true message of Christ is that He will make ‘me’ a blessing.

Families disintegrate when the personal fulfillment of the parents displace the desire to sacrifice whatever is necessary for the welfare of the family as a whole.

In a similar fashion, government becomes insensitive to the needs of the community. Problems never get solved because the predators will have more respect and honor in City Hall than the problem solver.

In a dog eat dog world, dogs eat dogs. Christ called us to a precept higher than self-preservation. Our high purpose is to glorify Him by how we nurture and empower each other.