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First of all (& obviously) we have to be born into this world.
We are then a part of a family, and we learn from them how to live with others, whether the example is a good one or a bad one.
In the context of our family our identities are fashioned. We begin to learn consciously and subconsciously who we are as male or female, who we are as a "Kutschker" (in my case), or a "Meier", or whatever our surname is, and we learn how valued we are as individuals, and what we are valued for.
From within the context of our families we also start to learn how to relate to the wider world out there in our daily living; all the different people, different values, ideas, and so on. We begin to realize that the world is much bigger than just our own family.
In our youth, and especially through the education process, we also start to realize what our talents are, what we are good at, and therefore what type of job we might actually end up doing.
Then, through using the talents we have, we come into leadership. We become skilled, others learn from our example, and we also teach others many things. Even being a parent is being a leader, because you are responsible for bringing up children, leading them into how they should be living their lives in the world.
Now whilst the above provides an overview of life, I have found that it also helps us to categorize all the problems we see in our world today:
Although we are physically alive, for many people there still seems to be something missing inside of them - they can't seem to find happiness, peace, or joy; it's as if there is a hole in their hearts; people can be at a party and still be lonely.
Family life is becoming less and less stable. There are so many divorces, broken homes, and children born out of wedlock. Home is often a hell for many. Family bonds have been eroded, and our peer groups often become more important than our homes and families. Elderly citizens are left alone in their own flats, or shunted away to retirement villages and isolated from their families.
Many people have a low self-esteem due to real or perceived experiences of rejection. So, we often do anything to try and feel good about ourselves and find acceptance and security. For some, they try cigarettes; others try alcohol, or gambling. Some become sports fanatics. Others try to find their identity in their car, work, fashion, drugs, or sex, etc. And this is often done in the context of a group of peers who are struggling with the same problems of rejection.
The world in which we live is being polluted & trashed. People are being abused instead of respected. There are wars, crimes, rapes, pornography, fights, religious arguments, anarchy, refugees, dog-eat-dog in the business world, etc. People rip each other off, and couldn't care less about anyone else.
People's abilities to express their talents are stifled, or they have never been given an opportunity to flourish, especially if their family is poor or is very dysfunctional. And when talents are expressed, it is often for selfish ends.
We see dictatorship and oppressive leadership. We see power politics, and people still treated like slaves or pawns in a game of chess. We see leaders who don't really know what they are doing.
This being said, is there any hope? Is there a solution?
In all of my thinking, study, reading, research, & talking with people, I am convinced that although we are born physically, the solution lies in also being born spiritually. We need enlightenment. As Jesus said: "You must be born again" in order to experience life as God always intended it.
We need to open up our lives to Jesus Christ and become spiritually born, and then allow the Spirit of God to affect every realm of our existence. I have discovered that when we do, life becomes fulfilling, meaningful, and alive!
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