Faith

There are decisions that we make which occur by the hardening of one’s heart and soul, which change the course of our life.  When we reflect back on those actions we might understand the emotional pull but logically it makes no sense.  Unless we are still blinded even though the painting is standing right in front of us. This is the case with Pharaoh who ignored the obvious warnings of G-D to let his people and instead kept his blinders to his own “power”. We in our life feel that we would obviously give in to G-D’s will if given the same choice but how many times have our blinders been up.   Poor decisions can change one’s life here are a few examples that have changed mine.

(1) Acts of excitement or adventure which ended up costing much more then the moment of glory.

(2) Decisions of keeping up with “Jones’s and Weiss’s” that have kept me from moving further ahead by continuing paying bills.

(3) Holding onto a friendship that should been withdrawn before it truly began.

Looking back I understand the emotion appeal of such decisions that hardened my heart from the logic that stood right in front of me.

It’s very easy to keep your faith when you’re around those that share your beliefs but what to do when you’re around those who see the world and the universe a bit differently.  Can you resist the peer pressure not to bend from your faith “for the moment” or do you have the  strength to stand alone.  Moses could have lived a comfortable life living in Pharaoh’s shadow but instead stood up against injustice and was tossed out of that light to what appeared a baron desert. Joseph kept his faith through slavery, prison, wealth and prestige. What we learn from these great leaders is that instead of being brought down by their faith their beliefs truly help them gain respect and success from friend and adversary alike.   Let us learn from there example to take G-D  wherever our luggage might be going.

We may see the world differently but I believe if we all would adopt the 7 Noahide Laws (below) there truly would be peace, harmony  and prosperity no matter where you ended up. There is a chance I’ve written about this in a past blog but if so after the horrendous attack in Paris maybe it’s needed to be discussed again. What makes these laws the keys we all can hang on to is the based on a story that tells how we all started what doors you open with them depends on your individual faith or lack thereof.

THE 7 LAWS

1
Acknowledge that there is only one G-d who is Infinite and Supreme above all things. Do not replace that Supreme Being with finite idols, be it yourself, or other beings. This command includes such acts as prayer, study and meditation.

By acknowledging one G-D you humble yourself before your creator, you learn to love and appreciate all G-D’s other creations, and realize that forgiveness can be achieved for you and others.  G-D created you therefore he loves you and has a specific goals and mission to achieve.

2
Respect the Creator. As frustrated and angry as you may be, do not vent it by cursing your Maker.

Hate of your creator only leads to hate of his creations.

3
Respect human life. Every human being is an entire world. To save a life is to save that entire world. To destroy a life is to destroy an entire world. To help others live is a corollary of this principle.

There can be no act of terrorism and even acts of war must be performed as precisely as possible with the least harm to the innocent civilians.

4
Respect the institution of marriage. Marriage is a most Divine act. The marriage of a man and a woman is a reflection of the oneness of G-d and His creation. Disloyalty in marriage is an assault on that oneness.

Marriage forms the basis of a family unit. A unit that can help each member reach their true potential

5
Respect the rights and property of others. Be honest in all your business dealings. By relying on G-d rather than on our own conniving, we express our trust in Him as the Provider of Life.

Jealousy can often lead to acts of theft and dishonest dealings understanding that G-D has lent these items to us can cleanse these unhealthy conditions from our heart. 

6
Respect G-d’s creatures. At first, Man was forbidden to consume meat. After the Great Flood, he was permitted – but with a warning: Do not cause unnecessary suffering to any creature.

It is important to respect all life for one who is cruel to an animal can often learn to be cruel to a child

7
Maintain justice. Justice is G-d’s business, but we are given the charge to lay down necessary laws and enforce them whenever we can. When we right the wrongs of society, we are acting as partners in the act of sustaining the creation.

We may act out directly in self defense but when a dispute occurs it’s best to allow those with impartial minds help decide a verdict.

Imagine calling an acquaintance or family member only when an emergency occurs after awhile there phone line would continue to ring.  How many friends would you have if you only called them to complain and tell them that they were doing it wrong?  What if you never invited them in to those special moments of your life, even though they were right there helping you all along the way, how would they feel?  Maybe it’s time to truly put G-D in our life’s.

As we witness the murder of French cartoonist by those who say they are killing in the name of their faith we must ponder what would make an individual believe this is G-D’s will.  As we read the holy book that the three religions Christianity, Islam, & Judaism observe (the Bible) we see that G-D seeks retribution and divine punishment upon the sinner but that is only at certain times where his word is directly spoken and clear to the people. For example, Moses was called upon to be such a messenger and Pharaoh was warned many times before the death of the first born occurs and this death didn’t happen by the act of man but G-D himself.   At other times people are executed for offenses against G-D’s laws but only when direct prophesy occurred.We also see many acts where G-D looks to forgive the sinner instead of unleashing retribution. How can we therefore judge when we “act in the name of G-D”.  Today we have no holy temple and no matter where you stand in your faith their is no Messiah on earth that the world recognizes.

Therefore instead of seeking retribution on acts that we think others are doing against G-D’s  will let us look inward instead and work to perfect the type of people we are and how we act with kindness to others. By setting an example of kindness and understanding maybe those that are lacking in faith will gain an understanding and that instead will bring the days of the Messiah. Where the world will live in peace, happiness and understanding of the true words of faith.

There is a great destination that many claim is so wonderful that those that aren’t there are truly left behind.  It is a place of beauty, peace and tranquility and there are many routes to get there but it is not apparent to many. Once you arrive at this location it’s so splendid that you will never want to return. It is a place that can come when you least expect it but at the same time must not take steps to get there quicker. The good news is the place is open to all with no income requirement, a matter fact it might be more difficult for those that hold onto the material side of life to enter. Just like traveling to a new area the journey is fraught with fear but upon your arrival you will truly know peace and happiness. For Heaven’s sake you must believe this place is paradise.