Many people believe that they were born to accomplish some important mission in their lifetime. Although each mission differs an individual's role is vital in God's scheme of things.
Because we are viewed as equal in God's eyes, an African-American ghetto resident or a needy Native American or an illegal immigrant is just as important as a white suburban astronaut, college professor, or a CEO. What matters most is the extent to which a person is fulfilling God's will in his life.
Our education occurs in a variety of cultural settings and in instances with the backdrop of conflicting moral values. Many of the marginalized suffer from deficiencies that influence their behavior based on their poverty, racial prejudice, physical abuse, poor medical care, disease, sexual and psychological exploitation.
Many of these conditions are analyzed in newsrooms across America. News personnel generally respond to the old adage “if it bleeds it leads.” An audience will never see an advertisement that says “you are okay the way you are” and many public relations practitioners put “the best spin” on events that are intended for public consumption.
Tapping Into An Educational Dimension
In a modern society many will agree that a quality education has the capacity to correct diversified and problematic circumstances. Our first educators are our parents. Some persons are nurtured in an environment that would make a basic education lacking. So, as our “brother's keeper” it is in our interest to give a helping hand to those less fortunate than us. For when “one suffers we all suffer and when one is exalted we all are exalted.”
An excellent education would of necessity shape an individual's beliefs. Without it being faith-based, a meritorious dimension would be lacking for an individual to function to his fullest potential. Balance is necessary. It is essential to cultivate a disciplined life. This is a way to be victorious in our journey through life. It is a good idea to lay a good foundation on which to base decisions.
One should have regular physical exercise to keep his “physical temple” conditioned and in shape. Sustained opportunities must be made in developing the intellect by reading the best authors in the liberal arts, social and natural sciences. From required food groups, one must select foods that are well balanced. Pursuing such goals make it possible for one to accomplish a healthy lifestyle. It is wise to abstain from illicit drugs, excessive alcohol and cigarettes. Obedience of the laws of the community, state and country would also keep us safe.
An individual's discipline does not end here. During the course of a day it is essential to have moments of relaxation, renewal, sound and restful sleep to counter stress and tensions of life. This takes practice. Dedication to a faith tradition nurtures the spiritual side of one's life. Finding a church, synagogue or temple that proclaims the world of God would be a blessing.
Some educational curricula of faith-based institutions attempt to in-cooperate religious requirements. With some of these useful opportunities would emerge for the individual to be an integral part of his education. Young people should be encouraged to join an organization like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA, YWCA or any similar entity that will enable them to interact socially with other young men and women.
New media with their myriad attributes, their interactive nature and virtual reality features have created far-reaching implications for the secular and Christian alike. Many households and institutions use the media below to cope with the rise of this consumer consciousness:
- Communication satellites;
- Computers with software, workstations, database, email, e-games, e-newspapers, e-magazines, e-graphics, power point streaming audio and video, etc;
- Cable channels - news, sports, history, inspirational and discovery, etc;
- Cell phones with e-mail capabilities, directories and video, etc;
- Camcorders for making home movies for instantaneous recording and playback;
- High Definition Television (HDTV) with crisp and well-defined pictures;
- CD ROM with computer discs for encyclopedia, dictionaries and maps, etc;
- Satellite dishes like cable provide many channels;
- Teleconferencing with interactive capabilities from distant places; and
- Global Positioning System (GPS) for determining location, speed and direction.
All persons, even those with just basic skills, the outcasts and the poor are important in today's world and are entitled to respect by all. There is dignity in all work. There remains a growing need for electricians, plumbers and carpenters among others. Any worker who does his job conscientiously and to the best of his ability should be viewed as importantly as any other worker. He who makes “the greatest contribution is he who gives the most of what he is blessed.”
For instance, a doctor with a keen intellect that lacks dedication may pale in comparison to a talented plumber. Such a plumber may be living to his fullest potential while a so-called-more-accomplished professional may take his talent for granted by cutting corners and failing miserably.
There is the dictum “to whom much is given much is expected.” An individual is an integral part of our society and one must always strive for excellence. Amazingly, some have the mistaken impression that they own their talents. Our talents best serve humanity, the poor, rich and indifferent alike. We are all connected. They are for service, building bridges and supporting others wherever they may be.
The Importance of Perseverance
Perseverance in one's faith is of great importance. It is necessary to be steadfast in one's determination. At times in our lives things get tough and rough. All odds might be against us but like the Old Testament Job it is necessary to hang on. A Christian is encouraged to “seek to find” and “knock so that the door will open.” But are we ready for this test?
Some are caught up in film and TV shows that lack socially redeeming values. Some of these shows and stories do nothing more than pander to the lowest common denominator. There are vivid depiction of sex and violent themes used in instances for the shock effect.
A person should endeavor to counter such proclivities by supporting the best that the mass media have to offer. They ought to contribute to those shows that are uplifting, have a message, adequate characterization and entertaining. Entertainment does not have to be sacrificed with the lack of shows having questionable attributes.
Attention to news about current affairs, nature and health programs would continue to teach us about the state of our streams, rivers, seas, plants, animals and diseases like cancer, diabetes, sickle cell anemia and HIV AIDS.
The traditional press the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal and the networks of ABC, CBS, NBC and CNN continue to impact us, but the integrated Internet would hold the key to our education and future.
