Your Dealings

Your Dealings

The Talmud states,
When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?”  Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual?  “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
                                                                                         The Talmud.
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” 
 Ecclesiastes12:13,14
I truly believe the above. Be we Christians or of other faiths dealing honourably and faithfully with your fellow man is simply the right thing to do.
We should not be showing favouritism to anyone. If we truly believe all men are created equal then we should treat all people the same.
Lately there has been a lot of screaming about a man in the states that bought the rights to an important drug and jacked the price up so high it makes it impossible for many people to buy it. This is not dealing honourably with one’s fellow man.
Many drug companies are attaching price tags to necessary drugs that are so high it potentially condemns people who could have lived or have a better life to death.
Governments are the same. In the United States they debate health care seemingly endlessly. Many in government refuse to grant universal health care to all their citizens.
While Canada’s health care system is infinitely better there are many necessary things that have to be paid for out of pocket. The government leaders saying its just too expensive to provide. And if they can’t afford it how do they expect the average citizen to afford it.
Again by not doing so they are condemning people to a lesser quality of life or potential death.
For the very poor and disabled in our society government programs and pensions don’t pay enough to put food on the table and keep a roof over the heads of people.
People go without meals in the richest countries of the world. While government leaders who are wealthy give themselves excellent pensions and benefits.
Shouldn’t everyone in a society where all are considered equal, have at the very least the same pensions and benefits our elected officials have?
The Talmud states this,
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?”  He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.”
                                                                                                              The Talmud
As a realist I know it’s hard to effect change. That brings true equality at least with respect to social programs to all, is it seems an impossible dream. Politicians do and say what they have to do to get into power. Then when in power they follow their own agenda.
I’d go as far as saying most politicians if not all lack any kind of faith in God. They definitely do not fear God. Still they will I believe one day have to answer to God.
The writer of Ecclesiastes stating.
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” 
 Ecclesiastes12:13,14 
If I am wrong those in power have no fear. However if I am right and I am certain I am they have a lot to fear.
Sadly however because those in power act not in the best interest of not only the poor, sick and needy, but in the best interest of all under them, many individuals will be hurt.
James the half brother of Christ wrote this,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” 
                                                                                                                 James 2:14-20.
I know James was writing to Christians but the truth is a universal one. Helping those in need to the best of ability is the humane thing to do. And those in power have a great deal of ability.
Please think about it.