“O what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive!”
Summer months in particular have become increasingly popular for school, church, family and other types of reunions. Included also as in this year, are sometimes added partisan political reunions that are becoming more divisive with time. I was once naïve enough to think that candidates ran on noble promises and distinguished, reputable records (where they could be found), rather than on lies, insults, slander and whatever negative aspects can be uncovered or manufactured.
Born in an era when “Black is beautiful” was not easily perceived by Black or White, family reunions were not as popular as fewer members left home and the choices of gainful employment were far more limited. Yet love and mutual respect dominated as opposed to today’s advanced verbal and literal “target practice!”
Targets are also what many vent daily emotions upon whether happy, sad, loving, or violent as we are becoming repeatedly exposed to in daily agitated and agitating crowds. Some may view such behavior as result of isolated incidents which they sometimes are. But if careful scrutiny be given, it may be found that many of the persons involved have a pattern of violent behavior including ill-tempered physical and/or verbal abuse, usually looking for a target to vent their frustrations upon–i.e. mates, children or any others most likely to take it.
This is the type of target practice that is running rampant in today’s desensitized, dehumanized society on increasingly higher levels. With no regular respectful, loving communication with God or humankind upon rising daily, no joint family meals, no telephone communication that does not mechanically direct you to a variety of other selections, temperaments and relationships become strained. Frustration follows along with feelings of helplessness, insecurity, intolerance and eventual rage that seeks more indiscriminate targets.
The “magnet of Love” also attracts targets–but of like substance. Contrary to common belief we do not “fall in love,”- we are the vehicles through which God’s love may flow to others–once “the pith of self has been blown.” What we mistake for love is lust-for transitory things which all end with the grave–but usually much sooner. Once we come to grips with our own limitations and imperfections we can better target our own feeble loving capacity toward God, from Whom all of our blessings flow, rather than toward preferred selected individuals (to whom we owe little if anything–and vice versa).
It is becoming uncommonly clear that no single or combination of organizations of yesteryear can cope with today’s new breed of pride and prejudice. It may be that it is not so much leaders needed in today’s unbridled society, but followers–of God’s newly revealed plan of love and service–for a new maturity of mankind.
Whatever service one would render to others, therefore should be through and for the sake of God, Who sees, rewards and appreciates all, rather than for man who appreciates little. Once this conscientious spiritual target practice begins, the service is purified and magnified to transcend all human limitations and expectations. (Investigate!–this world-wide movement to train servants!”
