The Scope of Our Responsibility

Stop restricting yourself. Live naturally. As positively, loving, and beautifully as you can. When we force ourselves to live unnaturally, we waste our lives combating our natural inclinations. Then, having convinced ourselves that what is natural to us is sinful, we undeservedly punish ourselves.

~The Philosophy of the Divine Law 

Good morning. And good, whatever it might be, wherever you are. Welcome to Practicing Truth.

But first, let me credit the music: Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology) by Marvin Gaye

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you take what I say as food for thought.

Have a fabulous day! 

There is so much we can know and learn when we step outside our beliefs and think beyond them. We find a new world. Fresh and challenging. Another insight. We more readily engage with others who do not believe as we do, without criticism or judgment, but with thoughtful contemplation. Exposing ourselves to a more accurate, diverse, and proven understanding of our shared reality.

Cloistered, within our beliefs, we restrict ourselves. Stifle thoughts contrary to what our belief system has taught us. Embrace only that which supports the narrative of our limited understanding. And ostracize those who do not believe as we do. Further reducing our knowledge, experience, and understanding of the reality in which we live.

Why do we hold on to beliefs that limit us? That encourages us to believe that our beliefs are not just the right way, but the only way? When we can clearly see there are myriad other ways? How many people do we reject, never bothering to listen or even trying to understand their point of view because they do not believe as we do?

How often have we asked, what does what is happening in, fill in the blank, have to do with me? Why should I be concerned? Why should our country get involved? We’ve got our own problems.

But, living in this reality is not only about us and what we think or believe; it’s about all of us. Isn’t it?

Our obligations are not only to ourselves, our families, and our belief system. Outside of those, we are also obligated to the rest of the world. Our responsibility is to prevent humankind’s social destruction and the ecological devastation of our planet. We ignore that responsibility at our peril. And yet, we do.

Adam. Seriously? Do you expect me to concern myself with the world’s problems? I’m busy! Every day, I have to navigate my own issues. Job problems, family problems, relationship problems, and on and on and on ad infinitum. Who’s got time for the rest of the world?

Mass shootings, police misconduct, ineffective government, and rising rent. In our country. And on top of all that, I still have bills to pay!

I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but… dude!

I hear you. And what you’re saying is valid. But it doesn’t change our obligation to the world’s situation. So, you’d better hear me, as well. And instead of limiting the scope of your point of view, expand it to encompass all your obligations!

Thanks for listening.

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