Guardians of Principles and Values
Guardians of Principles and Values
There are spiritual values that should be preserved.
And established traditions that must be observed.
And systems, laws, and principles established by our fathers.
And God has appointed official guardians from Himself to preserve these principles and values.. These are the shepherds.
So, if the shepherds become negligent, what happens? Or if these values are broken, and the shepherds do not receive news of that. Either out of fear of those who broke them, or a desire not to stir up problems..
So how, then, are these values preserved?
They exist in the conscience of every person.
Continuous awareness, guidance, and teaching establish them.
And they should be spoken about, written about, and published, whether they are being implemented or not..
For this is their first safeguard, so that they are not forgotten, and so that everyone becomes attentive: the one who commits the mistake, and the one who sees it. The responsible persons also become attentive..
Likewise, there must be a continuous connection between the shepherd and his flock; they inform him about every violation of the values, so that he may fulfill his duty.
And the shepherd must be watchful..
And be like the Seraphim, “full of eyes.”
He sees and knows, and puts everything right.
And we do not mean by his work of correction that he should punish those who make mistakes.. For punishment is not required in every case. Perhaps some make a mistake out of ignorance. Here the Didascalia says to the bishop:
“Erase the sin through teaching.”
If the shepherd is lax and does not fulfill his duty, then the conscious people will stand as guardians of principles and values, calling for reform..
Provided that this is done with wisdom.
And without error. For many of those who call for reform make mistakes in the means, and act in a repulsive, unspiritual manner!
While they call for preserving the values, they do not preserve the values in their calling!
The guardians of principles and values should guard them in their own private lives first, and in their family environment, and in becoming accustomed to a chaste and honest manner.. Then they proceed to guard the principles in society..
Yes, because what is the value of principles if they are theoretical and are not practically implemented?!
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