There is a common occurrence I have observed through the years -- in our interactions, we either easily dismiss those whose core beliefs are different from our own or we mindlessly nod simply because we perceive their beliefs to be similar to ours.
I am burdened to speak about beliefs because human behavior IS a direct reflection of long-held beliefs, whether conscious or unconscious.
Belief affects behavior.
Behavior reflects belief.
Belief
We eat (because we believe food is essential to our sustenance, maintenance, and advance).
We speak (because we believe communication is vital to the efficient functioning of a community).
We sleep (because we believe rest is a sine qua non ingredient in the recipe of overall human wellness).
Behavior
We eat sugar-loaded and greasy foods because, despite what we declare to family and friends, we secretly believe it is fine to forgo the warnings of nutritionists . . . until obesity, heart failure, high blood pressure, and the like force us to pay attention.
We speak vicious, reckless, slanderous, and harmful words because, despite what we assert to one and all, we inherently believe it is no big deal to destroy and demean other human beings . . . until divorce, separation, or estrangement leads us to see the light.
We sleep too much or too little because, despite what we publicly affirm, we seriously believe our sleep patterns are inconsequential . . . until serious health concerns arise (in the case of not enough sleep) or until the loss of a job (in the case of too much sleep).
A Matter of the Heart
Today, I invite to examine yourself to see where you stand.
Are you conscious of your beliefs?
Do you know why you do what you do?
Are you aware of your behavior?
Do you know what your actions reveal?
Would you open your heart and consider the following with me?
Joy.
Hope.
Peace.
Do you ever wonder why as homo sapiens we long for the above three and other such virtues when day in and day out the world exhibits grief, anger, despair, apathy, cruelty, angst, discord . . . and a slew of other human oddities and malfunctions?
One compound word for you:
Self-transcendence
Deep within, you and I sense and know we were made for something better. Even when we are seemingly satisfied or distracted by lesser joys, hopes, and peace treaties, we aspire for a higher state of mind, a better condition of the heart, and a healthier functioning of the body.
We want to grow.
We want to improve.
We want to become more.
We also recognize that the best of intentions amount to less than nothing unless they turn into actions. And so, we tire ourselves out seeking to come up with the panacea, the solution that will cure the ills of the world.
Sadly, with each invented or man-made panacea come newer ways for mankind to practice evil:
Government. Originally intended to protect and defend people, it has unfortunately been used frequently to do the exact opposite.
Money. Famously seen as a means to eradicate poverty in the world, the greed money grievously engenders all too often becomes the mother of all other vices.
Education. Understandably regarded as a most laudable answer, it too has failed to solve the world's problems. Too often, the very knowledge acquired dangerously turns into a way for the learned to feel puffed up without building up the illiterate.
A Place of Need
Barely touching on the above would-be answers, honesty invites us to recognize that, owing to our advances, we have merely evolved into sophisticated predators, clinical extortionists, well-read belittlers, invisible voyeurs, unfeeling murderers -- doing evil with greater skill and less remorse, greater speed and less consideration. And this escalating, engulfing evil keeps us ever more needful and desirous of self-transcendence, wanting to reach the holistic wellness that lies above and beyond this fatal malady.
We are thus unhappy and dissatisfied when we are left to fend for ourselves. And since we need joy, hope, and peace, help must come from somewhere else.
I need not, cannot rely on myself.
I need to rely on a rich-solid foundation come rain or shine, sickness or health, enmity or friendship, poverty or wealth, divorce or marriage, infertility or fruitfulness.
That undisputed need is one of the vehicles driving me to believe in God. As of yet, no philosophy provides the workable, pragmatic, corresponding, and coherent solution I find in Scripture:
God is the Source of all life (I will never fully know how it all functions but He does perfectly).
Humanity is in dire need of everything God provides (including joy, hope, and peace).
Only God is the panacea, the solution that can cure the ills of the universe (I can grow only if I accept His healing hand daily, hourly, all the time).
Humanity will, one day, with God's help, transcend this base state of repetitive evil and live with ever-growing fulfillment.
I recognize and acknowledge my need.
Do you, my friend?
May you and I grow and grow in the grace of God!
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