DANIEL J. PAUL

“A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right, and evil doesn’t become good, just because it’s accepted by a majority.”

— Booker T. Washington

Today, hate is marching, visible for everyone to see. It is displayed not only in the halls of our nation’s Capitol but throughout the United States. This is exhibited and witnessed in many forms, such as when contrary opinions are ridiculed and chastised as extremist, among others. Fueling much of this are many social media outlets and other sources. They accomplish this by embellishing, distorting and creating false narratives to the truth. If one is bombarded over time with this, even the most distorted versions of reality can seem to be true or normal. If we hear lies spoken long enough, we begin to believe they are true.

So, how did we arrive at this juncture of hate overshadowing love? The infusion of hate into our country began slowly as a drip, then a trickle, and eventually evolved into where we are now confronted with a flood. This flood of hate can best be described as an outward war between faith and God against evil and Satan.

This can also be evidenced in church attendance and participation. Where previously it was substantially high, it is now in a major decline–so much so that there was a recent study done about the decline of faith in 31 nations. In the study, the United States had declined the most.

Coinciding with the decline in church participation is the rise of secularism and technology. These have negatively influenced vital family time and interaction among others, including neighbors, to the point that many don’t even know their neighbors. It also impacts individuals where they are so self-indulgent and self-centered that their world ends at the tip of their nose.

So, how do we reverse course on this disastrous path? The answer lies in what a person cannot steal nor a rich person buy. The answer is faith. He gives us a choice of accepting Him and His commandments into our lives or not. How does one find faith in a higher power? Below are but a few examples —

— Recognition and removal of ego: Once you are aware and identify when your ego comes into play, then the opportunity avails itself to practice humility. For example, instead of taking credit for an accomplishment, either stay silent or praise others that have contributed to the project.

— Obstacles to peace: If situations or people contribute to chaos in your life, take a step back and evaluate. Ask yourself if your life would be enhanced by removing the clouds and confusion. Then, one can make the choice to continue living as you have been or to diplomatically/lovingly step away and change your life.

— Contentment: As you slowly evaluate and exclude the obstacles that stand in the way of your peace, contentment will follow. The stress and anxiety that once prevailed in your life will be removed, and time will be available to enjoy the small things in life.

— Reject the false substitutes for faith: Step away from all the material items with which you have surrounded yourself. This self-inflicted clutter insulates one from faith and temporarily gives a false sense of happiness and fulfillment. Instead, try reducing the material/emotional clutter. Once the veil is lifted, this affords the opportunity to talk and pray to God.

— Serve others: Coming unselfishly to the aid of others provides the opportunity for true happiness. Serving others make the individual feel so good on the inside, because one is enriching and making a difference in others.

— Place your life in God’s hands: Finally, through quiet spiritual reading and prayer, one eliminates the chains that bind, bringing you closer to God and His salvation for us.

So, instead of following hate, why not peel back and remove the negative layers that have surrounded and held us back. This will avail us of the opportunity to offer our lives to God through prayer and faith, thus changing the dark world by bringing God’s light into it. Do not underestimate the power of one person who chooses the light of faith and trust in God–remember David and Goliath?

Special thanks go to the Rev. Robb Jurkovich and Janet McKenzie for their contributions to this article.

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Daniel J. Paul is a retired school administrator. His articles focus on education, old-fashioned family values, relationships and other topics. His website is at meaningfuldifferences.net.