A new start
When a child is introduced into this world, he or she, brings no baggage other than genetic traits of the parents. Concepts such as poverty, disease, jealousy, bigotry and hatred must be taught or assimilated by word or deeds of those around them. Psychologist and mental health professionals agree that most maladjusted behaviors stem from a perceived lack of love from one or both parents. It is not that the parents didn’t care for their child, but that through a lack of parenting skills, their care was not demonstrative of supporting love. There have been many children raised in orphanages or foster care that have had wonderful and nurturing care, but just as many or more have not. We cannot blame the social system, the orphanage, or even the parents, the fault lies with all of us, past and present.
We need to learn how to love one another regardless of race, gender, religion, political persuasion, or which side of the town or country one lives.
Too many religions proport to be the only true way to go. I once belonged to the Church of Truth in Pasadena, California. By its very name it divided itself from any other faith. By inference it indicated that all others were the church of non-truth. Needless to say, I did not continue in my attendance. The teaching of the church was not divisive, but the name was. In recent years the political climate has been plagued with more name calling and labeling than any time in my, memory. What all that has to do with running our beautiful country is beyond me.
The Bible is filled with stories about people or nations that have turned their backs to God’s love and pursued another way. The consequence of that has resulted in disaster in one form or another. God did not send the disaster but the people brought it upon themselves. These were stories of times long ago, however, they are applicable to all time. We are not going to ruin in a hand basket, we are marching lock-step all the way.
There is nothing more important than that we learn how to love. We have all the words to do it. We have the emotional apparatus in place, all we must do is put them together and exclude the divisiveness in our midst. That doesn’t mean everyone must agree on everything, you can agree to disagree. Respect is love in action. I respect other religions and faiths though I may not agree with their teaching. Regardless of what political party holds the White House, I respect the office and who holds it. God is Love and Loving you, the created. We love the creator by loving the created.
Say to yourself, “The love of God within me salutes the love of God in all. I love and condemn no man. Hatred, jealousy and malice has no place in my consciousness. I love and allow no loss, limitation or lack to prevent the expression of my love. I cannot lose my good for love never fails.
God is Love and Loving Me Right Now! (The Rev. Dr. Walt
Sharer is minister at Bishop Church of Religious Science, located at 129 E. Line St., Bishop. Rev. Freda Lindsay and Rev. Walt officiate the weekly, Sunday services at 10 a.m. You can hear Rev. Walt’s message on “The Devotional Hour” on Sierra Wave KSRW 92.5 FM
Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. The church can be reached at (760) 873-4195 for more information.)