Thursday, July 9, 2015

Our Oneness : Whether Jew or Gentile, there's aoneness to humani...

Our Oneness : Whether Jew or Gentile, there's aoneness to humani...: Whether Jew or Gentile, there's a oneness to humanity. When discussion is centered on world faiths, certain features predominate. M...

Whether Jew or Gentile, there's a oneness to humanity. When discussion is centered on world faiths, certain features predominate. Many attest to the need for development of the individual regardless of his race, creed or national origin. There's focus on freedoms which must be guaranteed to all men. Then, there's emphasis on the nurturing of families. It's necessary to have responsible families where they are well fed and housed, and whose civil rights are protected so that they can live to their fullest God-given potential. Moreover, it's generally recognized that there ought to be widespread participation at every level of society of all groups. But to crown it all, there's the imperative of service to their fellowmen.

In the developed and developing world, some national leaders are concerned about the impact of science and technology on their culture. Jean Arp (1868 – 1966) who was a German-French sculptor, painter, poet and abstract artist observed, “Soon, silence will have passed into legend. Man has turned his back on silence. Day after day he invents machines and devices that increase noise and distract humanity from the essence of life, contemplation, and meditation.” Arp saw the essence of humanity as being important for the growth and development of life. But, to what extent are we losing the battle to noise in our daily life?

A Country's Development

Most national analysts look at certain aspects to determine a country's level of development. They generally examine their “human capital,” social capital, culture, social integration and community well-being. It was Mattie Stephanek (1990 – 2004) an American poet, peace advocate and motivational speaker that published five best selling books on poetry who saw, “Unity is strength … when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” The lesson that has to be gathered from Stephanek's vision was that citizens of a country have to pull together to be successful in nation building. What amazing things that can be accomplished if they do this under the banner of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The benefits that they will drive this will be unity in diversity, for every citizen will be viewed as a brother and sister in Christ. Christian living will govern the state. There will be equity and justice for all groups within a nation's borders. Because the leadership will be Christian, there will be a trustworthiness in the leaders. Voters will see in this democratic country that a Christian politician is a morally responsible individual that has their society at heart.

A Christian Underpinning

The press will be free, and there will be an independent investigation by journalists concerning the activities of those that wield power in the land. The standards of the people will inevitably be high. It was James E. Faust (1920 - 2007) an American religious leader, lawyer, and politician, a Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1995 to his death who observed, “The overwhelming message of the Atonement is the perfect love the Savior has for each and all of us. It is a love which is full of mercy, patience, grace, equity, long-suffering, and, above all, forgiving.”

Faust' words will mean a great deal in cultures that have their underlying religion in the Christian faith. Leaders and citizens will have a respect for each other. They will know that their service is in the national interest. Still, every person has to make up his own decision about living a God-fearing life. It's a commitment that only comes about through the saving grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

It's unity very well, but it's more than secular unity. It's through the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of individuals that are faithful to Him and His Word, found in the book of life – The Holy Bible. This is the goal all Christian nations must seek. Their rewards will be great, for they will be blessed by God, for their faithfulness. A true Christian faith will usher in an ordained unity to every nation which follows in the footsteps of the Lord.