Unbelief

   “All things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9: 23)

   We live in a world of unbelief.  If something doesn’t suit what we want to hear or believe we just refuse to accept it.  Our politicians are afraid to tell us things we don’t want to hear because we might not vote for them.  Our doctors treat our symptoms but won’t tell us that we need to lose weight or get exercise because we may decide to go to a different doctor.  Even our pastors seem afraid to tell us that we are sinning because we may decide to go to a different church and reduce the collection.

   In some cases, such as a politician’s promises, a cautious questioning is appropriate.  If we don’t feel comfortable with the treatment received from our doctor we are right to seek a second opinion.  However, when the Priest tells us that our sins will lead us to hell we should thank him rather than question him.

  

   Our religious leaders are supposed to warn us of the dangers of sin and by doing so they help us gain eternity with God.  Society, on the other hand, seems to thrive on sin and we too often play a part in it.  Rather than turn off the television show that glorifies adultery and open sexuality we “overlook” those things since the show is funny.  Rather than stand for an end to abortion we claim that even though we don’t approve we can’t force our beliefs on others.  I’m sure the baby being killed in the womb would be very pleased for us to convince her mother to let her live.

   The number of things Satan plants in society to entrap us and draw us away from God are numerous and in all areas of our life.  The most innocuous temptations are the most harmful in many ways.  We tend to overlook them and move on; after all, everyone is doing it.  One of my favorite quotes of Bishop Fulton Sheen is, “Moral principles do not depend on a majority vote.  Wrong is wrong, even if everybody is wrong.  Right is right, even if nobody is right.”  In other words, just because society says it is OK, doesn’t make it OK.

   Our eternal life depends on making right choices.  God will guide us if we will allow Him.  Society will misguide us if we allow it.  Satan will laughingly lead us to hell if we allow him.  My choice is to believe God and follow His ways.

   “I believe, help my unbelief!”  (Mark 9: 24)