Balance…

We often hear of cruel climates, storms that take their toll, and all manner of material obstacles that cause failures among men. But the most perplexing problems aren’t the problems of the outside elements. The most perplexing problems are the problems of people – problems of mind and heart and spirit. (More men have been cut down by unkindness that have ever been cut down by cruel climates.) One of our greatest problems is that we have made much more progress with things than we have with people principles, that we exercise more control over physical forces than we exercise over ourselves. One of the greatest problems is to bring the manners and morals of men in balance with the material things that men have made. We amaze even ourselves with our ever-widening knowledge. Our physical powers have exceeded ay know period of the past, but our spiritual and moral perception fails to keep pace with our physical powers. In material matters we may gain much, but without moral balance we may lose much more: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” without kindness and consideration, cleanliness, decency and recognition of the rights and dignity of every individual – – without keeping the commandments – we shall find ourselves reaching for things that we don’t really mean much, and running for places that aren’t worth arriving at. Always we must remind ourselves that in going so far in physical factors we must go fully as far in sustaining morals and manners, in matching material matters with the saving inner qualities of character, and keeping the commandments of Him who gave us all we have, and who, if we will let Him, would help us be much better and happier than we are.