The Latin term summum bonum means the "supreme or highest good." All religions, philosophies and political persuasions have a particular view regarding what the supreme or highest goals and good of human life should be.
God's view of the supreme good of human life is proclaimed in the writing of St. Paul in the 13th chapter of First Corinthians where the apostle writes in verse 13: "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
In recent years we have heard only the proclamation of materialistic philosophy. One of the names of their anthem is "The American Dream." It is an ambiguous term which means different things to different people but always implies the common thread of acquisition and possessions. Namely, a nice home, a shiny car and a fine education for the purpose of earning more money to selfishly, comfortably and conveniently live life with the certain prospect of buying more and more stuff to indulge and gratify us.
God does not condemn prosperity. In fact, God promises material blessing will inevitably follow those who live according to godly principles: reverence for God, honesty in our dealing with each other, and diligence in our labors. Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
As a nation we have put the cart before the horse and have abandoned and sacrificed truth, honor, integrity, and even family and friends, for possessions. When prosperity and wealth becomes our supreme goal, virtue and moral values are easily sacrificed to achieve it and God will surely bring a curse upon it. Wealth and prosperity alone can never satisfy the human spirit nor can it continue long when achieved by wickedness and corruption.
The current crisis proves these facts. Greed and corruption have brought our nation to the brink of ruin, but, thank God, there is still time for recovery. God is a second chance God. That is why Jesus came. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 tells us, "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures."
The only certain remedy to the present situation is repentance, humbly and sincerely asking God for forgiveness, both personally and nationally, and turning to a pursuit of the eternal values God has forever established " faith, hope and love " toward God and toward our fellow human beings. Meeting these conditions God promises in Joel 2:25-26, "I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, my people shall never be ashamed."
n Pastor Gene Holman of Living Word Fellowship is a member of the Carson Valley Ministers' Association.
