2003-1-19 16:22:00
I thought I would make some clarification on my last post.
My point was that groups (and individuals within the groups) of many differing belief systems, from the most pure to extremely deluded ones, such as Nazis types, do serve for the sake of service to God or an ideal without examining and discovering their real motive. I was speaking generically about the various groups without placing anyone in the group within them.
It's a little like giving the warning that one must understand who it is that he is voting for. You could be voting for an Abraham Lincoln, but you could also be voting for a Hitler. If the voter does not understand why he is making his choice and what the person stands for and the benefit (or grief) he may receive then he is playing Russian Roulette.
The same goes for service. If we do not understand who and what we serve and the benefit or grief that may come from it then the value of that service will not be known. It could help the world or it could be a destructive force, even though there is great desire to do good through the service.
For example, just before World War II there were many peace activists in England and the U.S. putting great pressure on these countries to not go to war and stand up against Hitler. Their motives were good but they were actively serving a cause which, if successful, would have allowed Hitler to conquer the world and today all who would not embrace Nazism would be killed. It would have been 1000 years before the Brothers of Light would have had another opportunity to drive them back.
When those deluded peace activists, at that period, died and received their life review and were shown what would have happened if they were successful do you think they would feel joy? No indeed. They would be thanking God they failed.
From my experience I have found that the highest joy from service comes from an understanding of the domino effect of that service and where it will lead. In addition to this, a fullness of joy comes when one receives soul confirmation that the end product of the service is good and in alignment with the will of God.
One may very well be applying your service to a cause which will be of great benefit to the world, but I would suggest that unless we all search our motives and discover our true benefit from the service, that the possibility of self deception is there - like the voter casting his vote because it is the right thing to do, but knowing not who he is placing in power.
Copyright 2003 by J.J. Dewey, All Rights Reserved