العربية
The previous article has presented “A Warning Alarm” to the whole world; in order to be cautious regarding all that is now presented for the service and advancement of man; lest it should become a means of depriving human beings of their humanity which God created them with. Today, more than ever, we are in dire need to adhere to God, the only path of survival, and to trust in His power to manage all matters for the good of mankind, and to acquire that wisdom which can distinguish between evil, semi-evil, and good, amidst all the turmoil we are witnessing in the world.
The Bible presents us the Book of Revelation- which was seen by the disciple, John the Apostle- which explains the features of the last days: It contains warnings to the world, and, meanwhile, declarations about God’s protection for His faithful servants who take refuge in Him wholeheartedly. Therefore, being adhered to God at all times and situations is the means for obtaining peace which man needs in the midst of the turmoil of this world; the Bible reassures us: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” In the Quran, peace has a great value; that it is one of God’s names: (The King, the Holy, the Peace). How happy are them who find their peace in God amidst trials, tribulations and distresses! I always remember the story of that painter who expressed the meaning of peace when he drew a little bird, lying in peace and tranquility in one of the rock holes, while the waves around it are violently crashing in bustle and violence! This is the state of whoever puts trust in God: living calmly in peace, believing in Him in whom his hope was laid.
While those who deny the existence of God and His work and all spiritual matters, are only making up justifications for themselves in order to do what they desire, under the umbrella of prima facie humanitarian resonant names, while in essence they are extremely far from it. Some psychologists tackle the theory of “man’s self-justification” saying that while a person is performing certain actions, he justifies them for himself in order to keep doing them. However, God’s visitation for people will never stop until the end of the world. The matter needs only being honest with oneself and taking a step towards the right path.
Reliance on God, avoiding sluggishness, shall be accompanied by man’s striving for obtaining wisdom in the course of life; wisdom is a virtue that many people have sought, and philosophers have tackled it throughout ages. It is one of the most important life basics, a safety and protection shield for man along his path; The Wise described wisdom as “better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.” And the Quran states: “Whoever is given wisdom has been given much good.”
God is the true source of wisdom, He is its grantor, as the Bible says: “For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” While in Quran: (He gives wisdom to whomever He wills). Nonetheless, man shall be aware which wisdom he is seeking, as the Bible tells us that there is earthly wisdom: “earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” And heavenly wisdom: “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” And in the Quran we read: (Humiliation from God and severe torment will afflict the criminals for their scheming.) The earthly wisdom approaches cunning (wicked intelligence) which results are fascinating and tempting man to present evil to others as good and the best that things can be, but it only leads to harm in the end. Adhering to God and trusting in Him besides wisdom, these three elements form the survival path. And … Stories of beautiful Egypt never end!
The General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
