Do you practice religion?
“Well. What can we do, except try to do better?” -Sand dan Glokta, The Blade Itself
Everyone practices religion, in their own way.
From the devout Catholic headed to mass, or the Muslim on his sajjadah, facing towards Mecca, to the avid video gamer plugged into his screen, we all practice our own religious behaviors.
The question becomes then: am I becoming a better person for what I’m practicing. Are the rituals leading to an improvement in my community, in my family, or in myself?
For many of us, I believe the answer is no. In fact, for most of us, I believe it is no. We’ve embraced practices that smother us, that simulate joy, with none of the fruits that come from it. These things have become idols.
These diversions are addictive, and can be destructive. And thus, these idols must be tamed, and broken, and destroyed, for the betterment of self and society.
As individuals we pursue what is good, and good is a measure of perfection, and perfection can only be determined by reason, and reason can only be determined by examination. And so, I look inwards, at my own failings. At my own flaws. At my own lack of understanding.
I must not dwell in them, but instead look to determine the practices to help me treat my own imperfections. And this must not be done because I seek blessings, or love, or adoration. It comes from a desire to show love, for God, for my neighbor, for my wife, for my community.
I will not be perfectly good until God Himself makes me so. But my practices, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, will hopefully help me to move closer. What little good I can provide, I should. What good God has given me, I should be grateful for.
The idols I carry, I hope to cast down. With each passing day, I will find a new one, and I pray for the courage to destroy it.
What will you do with yours?
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