The Search for Identity and Meaning
The world has never been in this state of confusion, uncertainty, hate, division, distrust, discontent, and so much more that has characterized a world everyone would agree, has gone wrong.
Throughout the ages, the world has been trying to find meaning. We have all come to a certain point in our lives where we ask questions we hope would give our lives a sense of purpose.
This search for purpose however, gave rise to beliefs of all kinds throughout history. But, with diverse beliefs, also comes what is said to be the 'greatest evil' to ever exist, religion.
Religion which undoubtedly became a part of our lives albeit in different capacity, was meant to provide a sense of meaning and purpose. It was also supposed to provide a framework for understanding the world and one's place in it, which can help people to make sense of their experiences and give them a sense of purpose and direction in life.
Furthermore, Religion was supposed to provide guidance on how to live a moral and ethical life, as well as support and community for people who are struggling or going through difficult times.
To provide a sense of belonging and connection to a larger community of believers, which can be a source of comfort and support.
It is also supposed to promote values and principles such as compassion, forgiveness, and justice, which can help to create a more just and ethical society.
It is suppose to offer hope for the future and the promise of a better life after death, which can provide comfort and support to those who are suffering or facing difficult circumstances.
The Powers At Play
Religion from its intended purpose as earlier noted, would have undoubtedly resulted in a world devoid of hate, chaos, and all that we dread. What was supposed to serve a good purpose, was however, hijacked by the high and mighty of our world, and turned into an instrument of division, turning us against each other, so they can feel empowered to seize control over our lives.
We all want a better world, but a better world would mean some powerful people would have to be humbled. This of course, is where the issue lies.
The majority of the world's population just wanted a world where they can be free and live happily with the little they have. But there are a few groups who have something else in mind. They are not comfortable that they have enough for themselves, but for some reasons, would want to exert control over the lives of others.
What It takes, the Christian Perspective
When Jesus was on Earth, His entire teaching was centered around love and humility. In fact, He told his followers that the greatest in the Kingdom of God, must be the lowest amongst men. Jesus was the absolute opposite of pride and teaches what real love is, which He said is to want the good of others more than your own self. (ref, Phil 2:4)
He said love that harms, or wish evil for anyone, for whatever reason, is not love. While teaching about forgiveness, Jesus said if you cannot forgive others the wrongs they did to you, why should you expect God to forgive your own wrongs?
In another place in the Bible, specifically 1 John 4:20, the Bible says, “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”
With no exceptions, the Bible teaches about love, and makes it clear that anyone who does otherwise, does not know God.
Love Holds the Key
Why is love so important? Because it is what it takes to have a better world. In a world where everyone understands what it means to love, and actually shows it in practice, the result is a perfect world.
As humans, we strive to be good, but over time we realize that being good is one of the most difficult things in life. This is so because humans by nature, are bad, until they reach a turning point in life where they get to understand things better.
There has been endless debates on how people become good or bad, or the stage at which a person develops this particular attribute. There's also debate on what constitute good or bad.
It is fair to say the above questions are very much valid, since we have become too knowledgeable to just accept a certain belief.
In the Bible, being good simply means following biblical teachings. Anything else would be subjective.
So to a Christian, the Bible becomes the source of Truth. This doesn't mean it isn't a subject of controversy though, but, controversies only arise because people by nature, want to find justification for their own actions and personal beliefs even though life in its entirety, is shrouded in so many unknowns, and largely beyond the scope of human understanding.
Among the many religions and their teachings, Christianity is quite different. It is life itself, because it is the reflection and embodiment of the life of Christ himself.
While Jesus Christ was on earth, He gave this instruction, "If you love me, you will do what I taught you." What did He taught? He summed it all up in Matthew 22:25-30, when asked about the most important thing God wants from people.
He responded, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ All of the law and the writings of the prophets take their meaning from these two commands.”” This is Christianity.
The world needs love, but it first needs to know the Truth. This truth is at the heart of a war, an age-long war which in the end serves one purpose, to ensure that whatever it takes, humanity never come to the knowledge of the truth. Because once they do, the manipulative powers at play, would be broken.
Jesus said, "You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (Joh 8:32)