A visit to the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum; discussions of religion, education, millennials (and their parents, teachers, etc.), “The Tragedy of the Commons”, and other social issues, over the last few days, have been given me cause to think about the issues confronting our society. It is easy to grow pessimistic.
I don’t believe we will ever legislate our way out of these problems. The only way things are going to get better will be when we recognize that our problems are Spiritual. They are Spiritual and, to some greater extent, religion is to blame.
I don’t equate spirituality with religion. Religion affects and is a by-product of one’s Spiritual well-centeredness (or lack thereof). The Spiritual dimension to being well and whole refers, however, simply to the belief that we are all part of something greater than self.
I call myself a “Christian”. More specifically, a “follower of Christ”. Christians are taught of salvation, resurrection, a “new heaven and earth”, a “personal relationship with Christ”, grace, and redemption. These can easily become self-centered. Christians also believe it their mission to “save” others. While these may well be a part of the teachings of Jesus, there is a tendency of Christians to focus on John 3:16 and neglect the following verse in which Jesus professes to have come not to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:17). If I am to be Christ-like, it is my responsibility to (do my part to) save the world—to bring a “new heaven and earth”. This is the heart of Spiritual well-centeredness—of “I am third”.
If we are going to make the world a better place, we must deny self and sacrifice for the benefit of others. This is contrary to the entitlement that we all demand. This is contrary to the blame we put on others. The problems of the world are all because we deny our own culpability.
Responsibility is not an easy path. It is the “Tragedy of the Commons” in reverse. One must be willing to risk giving back and doing their part to preserve the Commons, while others continue to take. It is caring less about what others are doing or not doing and doing what one perceives to be his or her proper and personal course of action.
It is easiest to blame and demand others be made to change. History demonstrates, however, that leadership is doing the uncomfortable as an example to others. Each of us doing our small part by taking personal responsibility can have a compounding effect. Thus, let us all take claim of our own responsibility and begin to change.
Be your best today; and be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!