Concept on democracy

There have been different conceptions regarding the subject of democracy.  Well, the most prevailing at present is that it means “a government of the people, for the people and by the people.”  It originates from the Greek demos and kratia, meaning people’s rule.  

Understandably it would suggest one that respects the mind of the people rather than dictate its wishes for the people to do, which a dictatorial system implies.  Since dictatorships are no more popular, what is more prevailing practice are the democracies which give more say for the opinions of the people.  Dictatorships are not so popular since they would depend on strong-willed leaders which are not so common nor popular as the democracies that give more weight to majority opinion.

Certainly, as in the past, strong and enlightened leaders have shaped the courses of history.  The problems have come from leaders who were not so well-guided but brought some havoc into past history.  Anyhow, it’s true people do make mistakes.  So for our part, we should do our best to bring light to our world by honestly seeking for the true and right paths that lead to peace and justice. St. Paul had once said: “We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love him” (Rom. 8:28).

ACCUSING FINGERS

 We try to avoid the habit of pointing accusing fingers at others so we may not fall into a worse scenario of forgetting we have our own major defects to correct.  It’s true fraternal correction is part of our Christian upbringing and concern to help others in the ways of perfection.  But this should not be overplayed as if we don’t have our own mistakes to correct.  So Jesus made that point clear when He mentions in the gospel the advice to call our attention on avoiding that commonplace or general defect we have of faultfinding.  “Why do you observe the splinter in your brother’s eye and never notice the plank in your own?  How dare you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the splinter out of your eye’, when all the time there is a plank in your own?  Hypocrite!  Take the plank out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly enough to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye” (Mt. 7:3-5).

This is certainly a significant advice of Jesus that we may progress faster in our own spiritual perfection instead of becoming stagnant because of the judgmental habit of gossiping on others’ defects or weaknesses.  Besides you might turn out to be that artificial person, so to say, a hypocrite which Jesus strongly criticizes.  You don’t tend to progress spiritually when you keep on minding what is not your own business but rather more of others’ concern.

THE VIOLENCE OF PEOPLE

We heed the violence around, people getting killed and shall we remain callous?  The word of God (Ps. 11:5) tells us “the lover of violence He hates.”  If this is happening around us we too are answerable.  It is said: Your own welfare is at stake when your neighbor’s house is on fire.  Let’s do something or else the fire and brimstone might also be rained on us as happened at Sodom and Gomorrah.

First of all, God tells us “thou shall not kill” (Ex. 20:13).  And God’s word is infallible, can’t lie nor be mistaken.  That means doing away with killings, death penalty and war.  Can you pay for one life which is priceless?  God alone is the author of life.  We ought not play god whether in the political arena or in an operating room trying to decide over life and death of people.  Only God has that power. 

 “You are the temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you.  If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him” (1 Cor. 3:16). 

GOD’S REWARDS

For all the good deeds and services that we do, God has His ways of rewarding or repaying us, especially if we do those deeds out of sincere love and generosity for God and our fellow men and women.  Yes indeed, God who knows all things will not leave our good actions unrewarded, especially if deep in our hearts we were really motivated by the love of God’s honor and glory and a sincere love and care for our fellow men and women.

                Let’s just do what we can to help ailing humanity in the many necessities and cares of life, and God will do His part of rewarding our generosity, in the many ways He could.  Sure indeed there is that silent monitor of a hidden God who records our deeds and words to reward us accordingly when the time comes.

                Let’s be awakened to our senses and realize how true indeed is the living god who cares for us, knows all we do and prepares a heavenly award for the good deeds we do for His honor and glory and for our solidarity with the rest of humanity.

WONDERS OF GOD’S CREATION

As you contemplate the world we live in, you are astounded by its many wonders.  Surely it must have been an intelligent God to create all these.  Then this wonder we experience turns to praise and thanksgiving.  How grateful we should be to a loving God, creating all this beauty and harmony in nature, even giving man space for legitimate freedom for movement and activity, within the bounds of the law of justice, discipline and love for one another.

Sure indeed if our lives would recognize the many wonderful things God has created in nature around and the people He has brought close to us in love and friendship, we can only dream of making our lives a song of gratitude to God Almighty who has surrounded us with so much love and beauty in the people and events around us.  It’s a matter of a positive, humble and grateful attitude that sees the happenings and events of life as things that can be of benefit to us.

 “For those who love God all things work together unto good” (Rom. 8:23).