The Complexities of Life

Why is it that we do that which we don’t want to do And we don’t do that which we want to? This is the question that troubled the Apostle Paul A man of God, who still struggled with those inner tendencies. It’s a question that troubles me, too, The good that we should do, seems so hard to do The evil, so easy…because it is in our nature to err I find it mind boggling that the very fibers of my being Seem to be drawn to the forbidden… Is it because it is sweeter? Easier? More fulfilling? Simply…human nature drawing me? Ah, but there is a transcendent joy From doing what is unnatural to us: To love the unlovable To uplift the fallen To be faithful to the faithless To return blessings for curses To forgive instead of get even To love instead of to lust Are we justified in doing what comes naturally because after all…we were born this way? We are just following our natural inclinations? Then, I ask…what makes us different from the animals that follow their basic instincts? Is there a difference? At times there doesn't seem to be. Delayed gratification seems unheard of. We want to relish this moment...there here and now...whatever the cost. We put our morality on a shelf and give in to the basic instincts to posses...to be possessed...to satisfy. Is there a difference? Yes, there is…for we have been given the power to reason and to choose the high road. It isn’t by accident….we were created with that power. We need to put it to good use, and we will have divine help to do that, if we so choose. It isn’t easy….but then again, sacrifice never was. It has a price. Ask Jesus….it cost Him his life. Eileen Manassian Ghali