Two Aspects of Success
Belief and Good Deeds
Years ago, I volunteered as a prison chaplain. There was one aspect of this responsibility that always intrigued me. Some of the inmates astutely articulated the tenets of their religion but they were unable to adhere to them when released from incarceration. Many of them were repeat offenders.
The inconsistencies in this behavior are not limited to prison inmates. Others have difficulty living lives guided by the Divine moral and ethical standards required of people of faith. As a nation, we profess piety and loyalty to our God-conscious beliefs, but exhibit characteristics of greed, selfishness, and intolerance. Rather than respecting the inherent human value of all people, we sometimes pursue goals that may infringe upon the rights and well-being of others.
In scripture we find, “Those who believe and do good will certainly have a never-ending reward” (Qur’an 41:8). We also find in James 2:14, “What doth it profit my brethren, though a man says he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him?”
These two verses admonish men and women of faith to put their beliefs into action by engaging in good work. What types of activities constitute good work? They are frequently seen in projects that enhance the well-being of oneself and their community. To say one believes and then exhibits selfish, avaricious characteristics is not righteous behavior.
Throughout history, individuals and governments have professed adherence to religious principles on the one hand and oppressed the human potential of many people on the other. There is a myriad of examples of this conduct. Consider, for example, the Crusades, Hitler, African enslavement in America, and the Israel / Palestine conflict.
Predictable Outcomes
As a youngster, I recall reciting our Pledge of Allegiance in which we declared ourselves to be “one nation under God.” In those days, it was common to recite a prayer at the start of our school day. Many of our long-established organizations continue this practice. Yet, as I advance in years, I must ask myself if this devotional activity truly reflects the majority sentiment of our country.
Daily prayer has been removed from our schools and public forums. The importance of spiritual boundaries has become less apparent in the public domain. There is no longer a common desire to live in a community guided by Divine mandates. Unfortunately, the devaluation of religion has predictably led us to become a morally sick nation; one in which a big lie can garner supporters.
Highly respected men and women are publicly abandoning long-established moral and ethical principles. This malaise is threatening our democracy. Our evening news shows broadcast political sound bites from both camps. Truth and honesty are taking a back seat to the desire for personal power. Unfortunately, the events that we are witnessing will probably worsen and the well-being of far too many will depreciate before this trend is reversed.
The above verses give us a formula for success. Believe in the Almighty, have faith in Him, and put that faith into practice. Work cooperatively with men and women of all faiths championing the cause for honest analysis of global issues. Speak truth to avarice and self-interest, and stand for equity and justice for all humanity.
The Almighty has the power to change the balance of political and economic balance just as He brought the world to a standstill during the COVID-19 Pandemic. But He allows His devoted worshipers to demonstrate their faith and belief in Him and speak to injustice. Our world could be just and equitable if we all became voices of a Divine mandate.
