Damned

I find myself conservative on at least one issue.  I believe there is a special “hell” for those perpetuating, promoting, and encouraging “evil”, especially through deceit, manipulation, and exploitation.  I do not believe the full extent will be known except in the fullness of time.  Having said this, I also believe I, along with others, often turn a blind eye to the things going on all around us!  The idea anything under the banner of adult to adult behavior is “ok” as long as the facts are not public is ironic at best.  The concept of a wall preventing children from the reach and touch of adult behavior is mythical. 
 
Even the foundational assumption of adults being able to deal with, work through, and change behavior is flawed.  Evil, relationship abuse, self gratification, and exploitation of others, touches everyone from the heart outwards.  You, I, cannot remain in its presence and be untouched.  We cannot be party to the process and walk forward unchanged.  We cannot stand idly by, silently expressing our protest, and remain true to our convictions.
 
Yet evil continues.  In the mask of freedom we encourage the exploitation and abuse of human beings.  Under the guise of competition, respect and honor are tossed to the side.  With technological progress comes new ways to promote and sell evil.
 
To this I have a twofold response.  First, “Doom to you who use lies to sell evil, who haul sin to market by the truckload.” (Isaiah 5.18)  May justice circle and filled your soul.
 
Second, let’s join in the discussion of how to deal with the menace which haunts us.  Curbing freedom, moving into a prescribed lifestyle, isn’t the answer to the problem.  We need something more.  The challenge is simply – what is it?  I don’t know, but let’s pursue it with the same intensity as we do profits.
 
We’re in a season of giving.  I hope you and I join the discussions of realizing hope and compassion, equity and fairness, mercy and opportunity.  This is, after all, at the heart of why we are here.