Values and principles guide man in behavior and decision making. Man’s values and principles are ingrained within his conscience at an early age, and with his awareness of his circumstances. Principles differ from one person to another: according to his upbringing and community. They are also shaped by his experiences and the situations he goes through: for he either clings to his principles or tries to replace them with others. Here, it is worthy to ask oneself: Which principles should I abide by? Which principles should I present others?
Here, I recall a story that took place in a country where a father used to take his two children to the circus. While waiting for his turn to buy tickets, he read the following on a notice hanging on the ticket office, “Ticket price for adults: 5 pounds, 3 for children above 6, and free for those below 6.” One of his children was seven, while the other was three. So, the father had to buy two tickets only. The seller told him, “You’re a stranger. You could’ve told me that your eldest son is below six, and I wouldn’t have realized it. Thus, you could’ve saved three pounds!
The father answered, ‘That’s true; but should my children notice it, it would stick to their minds, and I would remain a bad example. No money would be worth it.” On the other hand, I recall the story of a child who stole an egg and gave to his mother who did not scold him for this. After a while, he stole a hen and gave it to her. She rejoiced and thanked him! A few months later, he committed a bigger robbery. Then, gradually, he became a criminal who was arrested and sentenced to a long imprisonment.
Man, thus, has to mark what he sows in others’ lives: be it good or evil, as one day he will reap it. At the same time, one has to pause and ask himself: Where do I stand from love, mercy, and the values that raise my humanity? Where do I stand from honesty, goodness, and faithfulness? Life is quite short, and we only live once. So, what shall we do with our lives? What shall we offer? Do we wipe others’ tears or make them shed more? Do we strive to make others happy or sad? How is your life? How has it become? How will it be?
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
