The Great Shaking - Part II

The last article (The Great Shaking – Part 1) dealt with the vicious destructiveness of allowing yourself to fall into a perpetual victimized mindset in the light of the current “worldwide unrest,” since being a perpetual “victim” when the current democracy allows for freedom of innovation, attitude, liberty, freedom, and religious practice is nothing short of willful powerlessness and victimization. Consequently, we can be encouraged that our Country has allowed us the freedom to pursue our dreams, visions, and personal goals even in the light of economically and politically volatile times. It is exactly this type of “pursuit” by private citizens that made this country great in the first place.

“Part 2” is dealing with the importance of each “citizen” being willing to give back of themselves to their neighbors, towns, cities, and countries. This is the second step in leaving behind a victimization mentality and consciously deciding to be proactive and encourage and build-up others in your community. Jesus said that the entire “law” that God requires of man can be fulfilled in simply “loving your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:36-39) Why did He command it?
First-off because God is love (1Jn. 4:8) and we are to represent God’s character. Secondly, “giving” such love will take an individual out of a self-indulgent and self-centered mindset and consequently empower them, since they are no longer just receiving (passive acceptance – can lead to victimization) but they are giving (proactive giving/personal empowerment). Thirdly, our country has maintained its sovereignty and freedom due to individuals sacrificing of themselves for a greater cause (i.e. for present and future generations).

Even though many are quick to point to North America’s prosperity as being the origin of our self-centeredness and over indulgence (many point to this as the root of our current economic problems) – its not. Money and prosperity are not inherently evil – it’s the individuals who utilize them! For us to blame prosperity or “money” on our current problems allows us to “lay the blame” on something external and subsequently excuse ourselves of most personal responsibility – an action which will only repeat failure, since personal responsibility for actions must be taken before any good change will happen.

Certainly prosperity can easily lend itself to self-centered and unthinkable corruption – but these things are only perpetuated by individuals consciously deciding to utilize the resources of “prosperity” in that way. This is why we must all take quick responsibility for our own actions and realize that giving of ourselves to others is the surest road for a perpetually freedom, continuance of democracy, personal happiness, and being absolutely pleasing to God.