Principles – “You have pleasure in uprightness” – Saturday 31st of December, 2016

   In the previous article we said that principles cannot be compromised and we also tackled a critical question at the present time: to what extent high values and principles are established in our hearts and applied in our life. In few hours, a new year will begin; a gift from God to step further in our lives and make progress that is preserved before God and recorded in history.
   One of the fathers once said “I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness” Indeed, everything is exposed before God; he knows all the hidden secrets of man’s heart and mind and nothing is concealed before Him. Uprightness of mind, heart and ways is His delight.
   An upright mind is void of evil thoughts. It rather seeks the goodness of humanity and its delight is in walking uprightly. Nowadays, integrity may be deemed a sign of weakness. Pardon me; it has never been a weakness, but rather a sign of man’s true strength and it will always be so. Moreover, it is always a rewarding behavior, no matter how time passes on. Men of integrity are memorable and if their lives come to an end, they would enjoy true joy in heaven with God.
   A man with upright mind enjoys a heart full of love to all people even enemies and even in time of tribulations, he is able to restore his great love to all. I recall Mr. Nelson Mandela, the great leader who was one of the prominent heroes of goodness through history. His good deeds did not pay off for 27 years; however his faith was never shaken and his uprightness never ceased. When he was released from prison, he was still a man of great integrity. Thus, his life deemed memorable and fruitful.
   If you have an upright mind and heart, your deeds would depict that. You would spare no effort to do good deeds and help all people without waiting for a reward. Your motive would be your love of God and your fellow man.
In the beginning of the New Year, it is worthwhile for us to stop a little to examine our mind, heart along with our actions so that we deservedly make use of the new opportunity that God gifted us with.

General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural center