It is exceedingly important that we know what we believe and why, in order to be grounded. This approach to life protects the individual from falling prey to every wind of doctrine. Adults are aware that something may be known but the knower may lack the ability to explain the position as to why it is known. We are told by wise individuals that one should be ready for an accounting both in season (when one anticipates the need to share) and out of season (when one is caught by surprise). The ability to put your philosophical position into words cannot be emphasized enough.
In addition to my position that my philosophy of life is dependent upon my mind, the thinking/rational part of my psyche, I also know I have an affective element which is the element of the mind as well as bodily feelings. These elements may be subdivided though that is not necessary for one's understanding. It is essential that one understands that the mind, emotions and body are inextricably one. They coexist; they interact continuously.
Where does the spiritual element enter into the picture? For me it is primarily a rational, cognitive matter. I know my God, Jehovah, and God's son Jesus from an intellectual premise. From that base I know that I am loved and have eternal security, an awareness of security that began a long time ago. I know that the certainty I have in God provides direction and guidance in life. I am comforted to know that my life has meaning and purpose. I know that I am created in God's image. I know that I am not an evolving being whose ancestors crawled out of the primordial ooze a long time ago.
God created all human beings. He loves, as we used to sing in Sunday School: “Red, [Brown] and yellow, black and white, They are precious in His sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world.” This awareness is extended to others whom I must respect and then assume my appropriate responsibilities and allow those with the capacity to do so to assume theirs. This includes the unborn, the infirm and limited as well as the elderly who have made their contributions in life. In many locations the Bible clearly states that we are to care for the widows and orphans. “To whom much is given, much is expected; to whom much more is given, much more is expected,” (Luke 12:48). And I have been given much more.
Because I have been given much more, much more is required of me. I have the responsibility to take care of myself, my family, and others, as needed from time to time. II Thessalonians 3.10 states, “…if any would not work, neither shall he eat.” I strongly believe in the work ethic. Work structures life and work well done gives satisfaction.
I believe that every citizen has civic responsibilities. In the United States of America we have a Constitution based upon The Holy Scriptures. Citizens have the right to vote for whom they believe will best represent them. I believe citizens have not only the right to vote and also a duty; that duty necessitates some knowledge of the issues and of the candidates. I believe that we are held accountable to God for our vote. (The citizen’s political party should be carefully chosen based upon the “Party Platform Statement.” Excerpts from the two main parties, Republican Platform and Democrat Platform, i.e., what they believe, are included here for the reader’s edification.) These excerpts are from the 2012 Republican and Democrat platforms because their statements were clear. Currently, the parties have bought into “word salads” which make the platform more palatable but much less clear and much more confusing. (Please note that the Democrat Party has somewhat morphed into the “Democratic Party.”) The platforms will only cover five issues: Life, Marriage, Second Amendment (Firearms), Conscience in Health Care, and The U.S. Constitution. These topics or issues are of great concern to Christians.
Republicans believe in the sanctity of human life and that the unborn is a human being with individual rights. And Republicans are opposed to using public monies to perform abortions or subsidize organizations or health care which covers abortions. Republicans believe in marriage as between one man and one woman. And Republicans believe in The U.S. Constitution, “The Supreme Law of the Land,” the foundation which holds our country firm. The Second Amendment is the right to keep and bear arms which Republicans believe is tantamount to law-abiding citizen’s protection.
The Democrats believe that a woman has the right to make decisions about her pregnancy, including a legal abortion and that the father of he baby should have no voice in the matter.. Democrats support access to affordable family planning, i.e Planned Parenthood health centers. Democrats believe marriage should be available to same-sex couples. Democrats believe women should have health insurance which covers abortion. And Democrats view The Constitution as a “living document” which means it is changeable at any wind of doctrine. This is exemplified in the Democrat’s view of the desire to mutate the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment to keep and bear arms is seen by Democrats as subject to “reasonable regulation.” And they would like to ban assault weapons.
I believe that my philosophy of life can be seen throughout the writings in this book. It is my hope that readers will examine their position and stand on the many issues which confront us in life.
Galatians 6.10: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Let me conclude with a word of admonition from James 4.17: “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is a sin.”
