The Fork In The Road

We are tempted to view War and the problems it brings, as being avoidable, unnecessary and the epitome of all that it evil. However, this perception, while popular is misleading; for the alternatives could mean ignoring that which is truly evil, submitting unreservedly to an oppressive regime or even to betray all that is precious or sacred to us. Some things are worth fighting for and indeed the potential sacrifice involved to save others is the hallmark of heroism. The real issue, however, is who is the enemy? We are no longer talking of political opponents where people seek to control and subjugate others because this form of overt persecution only led to stout resistance and the creation of martyrs. The real enemy was of course more cunning and devious; by pretending to promote freedoms it sought a more long-term and permanent strategy namely of indoctrination and material well-being. Thus, technology and mass media together with educational reforms have attempted to make religion redundant, old fashioned and naïve. Modern liberalism with its emphasis on individuality and materialism hopes to succeed where communism had failed, indeed the former prides itself on its economic competency and promises of prosperity.

Of course, if people do not feel threatened or under attack, they do not have any reason to defend themselves. It is time to reflect on what is important to us and others, affected by the actions of such warped ideology. The crux of the matter is whether or not a person believes in God - a higher power, creative force or supreme being to which they may be answerable to. Once you decide upon which fork in the road you take, the future unfurls before you, however even that is not so simple for life rarely provides such clear signposts, but fortunately detours and passageways will be available to guide you back onto the right path, should you be distracted or misinformed by other travellers en-route. Strangely enough it isn’t always the actual path that is important but the reason for choosing it. Thus, we should avoid roads that lead to recognition and material rewards as they will produce adulation and pride; instead choose those trails that guide us to anonymity and humility.