Although I have
often associated society’s short coming with the loss or abandonment of
religion, I never really considered the fact that peoples inter struggles were
due to the lack of spiritual foundation or their non-exist relationship with a
higher power, God. Therefore, when
Christina introduced such a thought I was somewhat floored and intrigued at the
same time. In chapter two, she suggest that:
“Being on a spiritual path, or living
according to ones faith, means that a person aligns his/her self to a set of
principles and values different than the everyday waking consciousness of our
modern culture. I assert that all the variation of consumerism, violence,
environmental degradation, human exploitation, broken relationships, psychological
dysfunctions, betrayal and corruption we witness as commonplace today are all
manifestations of a fundamental belief that we are separate from God and
therefore separate from each other”
What a profound
passage! Essentially, Christina is saying that all of societies flaws and
negative aspects are a direct result of humans being separate or distant from
God.
This notion
makes complete sense. As I look back, this reminds one of my pastor’s lessons
entitled “spiritual warfare”. In this message, he addresses most Christian’s battle
with wanting to be in this world but not of this world. In which he speaks more
in depth about peoples struggle or need of acceptance from their peers,
friends, family, and those in close proximity. He asserts that this need for
acceptance oftentimes leads us into paths of darkness; which ultimately causes
us immense harm. Moreover, he contends that people are more concerned with
society’s approval than having Gods approval. Arguing, that if people had a
relationship with God or a higher power they wouldn’t rely or place some much
weight on the perception of society. Romans 14:10-12 states,
“You,
then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with
contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: As
surely as I live, says the lord, every knee will bow before me; every tongue
will acknowledge God. So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to
God”
Without God
being the center of our lives and our main source of guidance, people are
easily led astray. Moreover, when are out of the will of God the devil has more
access to our minds and hearts because we are more susceptible to hearing and
falling suit to his deception. When we are out of our set place we risk losing
the blessing intended for us –whether it be in the form of understanding ones
self-worth, spiritual fulfillment, physical healing, or healing of the family.
Lastly, when discussing societies neglect for religion, I am reminded of this
saying “if you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything”.