July 13th, 2020: Individualism - The Core of Human Struggles
Many people have asked me about my political views. I have been
quiet about it in this forum because I think it is a personal betrayal
if I do that. The sole reason for me to write these notes is the belief
that it is one of the most effective ways I can serve during this
Covid-19 pandemic. Some other aspects of my work indeed remain the same.
However, people's needs in crisis sometimes change and that opens
opportunities for me to serve them differently.
I will indeed write about what I believe, see, observe, learn, and experience.
Some
people have asked me why politicians behave the way they do. I think
that there are many reasons and we can say the same thing about
ourselves. Individualism is at the core of human struggles..
Here is one description of Individualism in America:
"Individualism
is a prime value in US society. In an individualistic society such as
ours, the needs and wants of individuals take precedence over the needs
of the group. Positives to individualism include the freedom for a
person to choose his or her own destiny."
God
created each one of us uniquely. There is no other person who is exactly
like us. We somehow have interpreted that very uniqueness as an
invitation to celebrate Individualism. As unique as we are, we are
created for community. However, the notion of "A Self-Made Man" now
becomes something to worship.
When we think
about our uniqueness, we think about how we can use gifts and talents to
contribute to the community. We see ourselves as an unique and integral
part of society. To be unique is to have a clear understanding of who
we are and how we can help in our relationships with others.
When
we think about being individualistic, there is a different mindset. We
are thinking more about what we can do to meet our individual needs, our
desires, and longing without considering its impact on our community.
There is a self-serving mentality in individualism. Self-preoccupation
brings about lifelessness and hopelessness to society as a whole.
There
is a blindness in individualism. It takes away our ability to
appreciate the beauty of a greater community. It erases the broader
sense of belonging to others. Most importantly, it is the blindness that
fails us in our ability and willingness to see God.
Galatians 5:13
"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love."
