Food And Sex And How We Can Change The World
"The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated." ______W. James
Our desires for food and sex are strong. But these are desires of our flesh. We have stronger desires, deep cravings in our innermost being to feel important, to be appreciated.
We all need to feel important to someone. We all know the person who, to feel important, needs to embellish even the most insignificant statement. And there are those who go to violent extremes to be noticed, to feel important.
Without appreciation from her children and husband, a woman’s face becomes weary and cheerless. When employers fail to show appreciation and recognize their importance, employees become sullen. Customers not shown appreciation become ex-customers. Nothing is more heartbreaking than a child being misshaped by feelings of ineptitude. He or she will do almost anything for those who show them appreciation. And there are those who will do anything to get attention, to feel important—sometimes with tragic results.
Showing sincere appreciation is the right thing to do. It is also the smart thing to do. It will help us to prosper in all areas of our personal life. It is not, however, an easy thing to do. We live in a world filled with negativism. A world where many feel they are entitled, a world of false pride where we think we must be number one, or just a little better than the next guy or gal—even if it means embellishing the truth or putting the other person down.
We are increasingly becoming a secular society, turning away from being God centered to "Me" centered. It is difficult to maintain a positive view in today’s negative atmosphere.
What are our children and grandchildren hearing, from us, at school, on TV, from our elected leaders? Daily they are influenced by a secular news and entertainment media who negatively manipulates tastes and values. Our secular news and entertainment industry knowingly belittle and opposes Judeo-Christian values. Our youth are persuaded to substitute convictions for acceptance, to trade ideals for worldly possessions, or put their trust in the deceitful promise of government security—wealth without work, reward without risk.
A powerful and generous America was not built on a self-centered "me first" secular life. "Me first" socialist secular values did not get America through an agonizing civil war. Secular values did not give hope to struggling families during economic depressions and financial panics. "Me first" secular values did not sustain earlier Americans through death dealing epidemics and two world wars. America's Christian values and spiritual strength did.
What can you and I do to overcome today’s "me first" secular values? We need to look for the worth in those we deal with: family, friends, students, customers, fellow employees, or strangers. Build them up. Show them sincere appreciation. Let them know they are important—they are.
Can we change the world? Well, you and I can change our personal world, one sincere appreciation at a time. Let us teach our children and grandchildren to do the same. We may have a long way to go, but it’s a start.
___________ Michael E.Odell
COMMENTS: Your thoughts and comments are welcome. E-mail: MichaelOdell@Lycos.com
