Pride would be at the root of the violent contentions in our world. Yes, pride and worldly interests. The fitting disposition would be to adopt the position of humility that allows space and freedom to others for development, success and reputation. We must avoid that monopoly that desires everything for oneself which was the mindset of dictators in the past who committed such ghostly massacres of numberless lives (1 mean by the millions).
We have therefore to shun such attitudes of ambition, envy or hate, and be willing to undergo humiliation, contempt or ridicule for the sake of peace. Let's do away with the crab mentality that desires others' downfall, but rather let us show happiness at others' success or achievements. This would be following an attitude that gives a chance for the truth to prove itself amid an air of freedom and democracy that respects others' rights and opinions. Let us follow the advice of Gamaliel that is narrated at the Acts of the Apostles.
as follows.
"So they brought them (the Apostles) in and made them stand before the Council and the High Priest questioned them. 'We gave you strict orders not to preach such a Savior; but you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you intend charging us with the killing of this man.' To this Peter and the apostles replied, 'Better for us to obey God rather than any human authority! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus whom you killed by hanging him on a wooden post. God set him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses to all these things, as well as the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.' When the Council heard this, they became very angry and wanted to kill them. But one of them, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law highly respected by the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin. He ordered the men to be taken outside for a few minutes and then he spoke to the assembly. 'Fellow Israelites, consider well what you intend to do to these men. For some time ago Theudas came forward, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. But he was killed and all his followers were dispersed and his whole following was scattered. So, in this present case, I advise you to have nothing to do with these men. Leave them alone. If their project or activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. If, on the other hand, it is from God, you will not be able to destroy it and you may indeed find yourselves fighting against God.' The Council let themselves be persuaded. They called in the apostles and had them whipped, and ordered them not to speak again of Jesus Savior. Then they set them free. The apostles went out from the Council rejoicing that they were considered worthy to suffer disgrace for the sake of the Name. Day after day, both in the Temple and in people's homes, they continued to teach and to proclaim that Jesus was the Messiah" (Acts 5:27-42).
No comments:
Post a Comment