The True Worth of a Human Being

Most people today measure their worth as human beings by the amount of money they make, their social status, or their possessions. But is this really the true measure of our worth? A visiting pastor gave the answer in his sermon last Sunday at our church. Our true worth as human beings is dependent on our relationship with God. Think about this for a moment. Parents value their children simply because the kids are their children. It doesn't matter if the kids are smart, talented, athletic, or not. Parents love their children for the way they are. God, as a loving Father, also does the same. He loves us the way we are and He values us simply because we're His children. Since we should be imitators of God, we should value one another simply because we're all children of God, equally loved by God. So if we value each other for what we are, instead of what we have or what we can do, what would the world be like? Would we still suffer from worries and anxieties? Would our relationship with each other be better? What do you think?

Does the End Justify the Means?

I read an article about a priest who ran for political office, in another country, to eliminate political corruption. This is forbidden for priests, but he did it anyway. So he believes it's OK to break the rules if he has good intentions. This way of thinking is common in that country. But it leads to the same corruption he wants to eliminate. What if someone offers him a bribe, & tells him to think of the poor he can help with this money? A priest is not immune from temptation. So what will stop him from justifying acceptance of the bribe, if he believes that something "good" can come out of it? Wouldn't this be the same kind of rationalization he used to run for office in the first place? And if he's willing to break any rule he wants, what kind of message is he sending to others? Is he behaving differently from corrupt politicians, who also break any rule they want? While I can understand his frustration, I think it would be more beneficial if he rejects the idea that the end justifies the means, and sets a good example. How? By doing his duty as a priest, & living the virtues, such as obedience. Maybe then, others may emulate him & obey the law, rather than come up with justifications to break it.

A Short Life Lived Well

I read about the untimely death of the St. Louis Cardinal's baseball pitcher Josh Hancock yesterday. It reminds me of a relative who died in her early twenties in a car accident. Like everyone else, I wondered why she had to go at such a young age. But at her funeral, I found out how she lived her short life. She was concerned about others, epsecially those who were poor or oppressed. She dedicated her life to helping people, when other college graduates were pursuing money instead. In my opinion, her life was a life lived well.

Youths Give Back to the Community

We often hear news about kids today who are selfish, or who get into trouble. But I remember one kid in our community who seemed mature & responsible for her age. When she finally graduated from college, she chose to work as a youth minister in our church. Others thought she wasted her education because the job didn't pay much. She could be making more money elsewhere. But she believed that servicing others & giving back to the community was more important than making money. Also, dealing with kids is not an easy job, but she believed it was worth the sacrifice. This inspired other kids to do the same. One kid became a sheriff's deputy because he wanted to do something about the crime problem in the neighborhood. I guess there is hope for kids after all. And I hope parents out there will encourage their kids to do the same - to serve others.