The Crossroads: Spiritual Morality and Self-Interest
I recently came across a thought-provoking proverb: “The man who chases two rabbits catches neither.” This quote highlights a simple idea; while life presents us with many choices, success and satisfaction are often achieved when we focus our energy and attention on a single goal. At times, our spiritual self may guide us toward one course of action, while our physical aspirations push us towards another.
In my view, most people strive to follow paths that recognize and value individual differences. We try to be responsible, respectful, truthful, and fair-minded in our interactions. These are characteristics of a Divinely inspired soul.
Nevertheless, there are moments when self-interest overpowers our spiritually guided moral consciousness. Although such instances of indiscretion may be rare, they can have significant effects on our lives. In truth, I sometimes think to myself, “Oh, I should have done so-and-so differently.”
As we are reminded in Proverbs 15:16: “Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.” In our own experiences each of us can probably recall situations in which making a different choice could have yielded better results — bringing inner peace and
more productive outcomes. These experiences often remind us to reflect on our actions and encourage us to choose better paths in the future.
This tension between priorities may also be seen in personal relationships. For instance, we may become so eager to please others that we lose sight of our God-conscious responsibilities. A family, community, or individual may support an extreme position to gain approval, even when doing so compromises equity and infringes on the rights of others.
Another scriptural verse offers wisdom: “And know ye that your possessions and your progeny are but a trial; and that it is The Almighty with Whom lies your highest reward” (Qur’an 8:28).
It is unfortunate when individuals support opinions that contradict moral or ethical standards out of fear of reprisal. This highlights a troubling reality of our times. Divinely inspired souls must band together to confront norms, values, and ways of understanding that threaten the moral fabric of our communities and nation. We must courageously unite, challenge ungodly behavior, and trust that God is always in control. Let us remember, with certainty, that those who oppose equity and morality are engaged in a Divine confrontation — one in which they cannot prevail against The Almighty.
