Understanding is the KEY

So I was in my MESA 201 class, (yes that was the same class that provoked my last blog, haha), and we were talking about the background of the formation of a Palestinian State.  We were talking about the British and French governments who kind of unofficially led these efforts eventually leading to the Balfour Declaration.  I found it interesting that in one exchange of letters from Sir Henry McMahon, and Sharif Husayn.  Sir McMahon was a British diplomat to the Ottoman Empire, and Husayn was an Ottoman diplomat to England.  Anyway, the exchange was normal, expressing terms and conditions.  There was just one problem, the British diplomat was talking down to the Ottoman diplomat.  He was acting as if he were the king and Husayn was just a subject.  Interestingly enough, this was very typical in this time period.  We see it in the Arab-Jewish conflicts, in the annexation of conquered nations, and in the law-making.  Better yet, we see it more prominently in our modern day! How can a person of leadership, or a group in charge believe they can help another group without treating them as equals?  Problems arise in many instances; even now my mind is flooded by many, many examples.  I will name 3 and you can probably think of even more...

1. Not to pick on Great Britain, but King George on his throne in the mid-18th century taxed the heck out of the American colonies.  Were either he or his nobles taxed as well?  No, of course not.  He didn't understand who the colonies were frustrated with him, let alone why they wished to separate from the motherland.  
2. The Founding Fathers as they were framing this country were very thoughtful when it came to the question of slaves.  The importation of slaves was halted in the early 19th century due to the clause in the Constitution, and the 3/5's Compromise was thought to be a success, but it took yet another 60 or so years for the nation to understand the line found in the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence which states, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."  Even then there have been repercussions up until now!!! Finally people are beginning to comprehend the significance of equality and understanding our fellowman in order to work out our differences and find peace.
3. Now, I wish to pose the last example with a little more application.... Throughout the Book of Mormon we read of a man who went WAY out of his way to benefit all men.  A man who was not looking for the glory of man, but glory of God.  A man who loved all with a pure love.  A man who passed through the pains, the afflictions, and everyday pressures of each one of us who has lived, is living and will live!  

                                        

                          And he cometh into the world that he may ^asave all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the ^bpains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of ^cAdam.

2 Nephi 9:21

 11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and ^aafflictions and^btemptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will ^ctake upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

 12 And he will take upon him ^adeath, that he may ^bloose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to ^csuccor his people according to their infirmities.

Alma 7:11-12

  He doeth not ^aanything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he ^bloveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw ^call men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.

2 Nephi 26:24

 

Jesus Christ is that man.  He loved the world so much that he did what was necessary to save it.  Alma declares that he fulfilled the Atonement in order to 1. understand how to succor His people according to each of their issues; 2. help His people achieve eternal life.  Christ, in a way treated each of us equally in experiencing each of our pains, trials, weaknesses, and joys, with that He understands us and knows how to help us.  He is our Savior, only because He took the time to love us and understand our daily lives.  I say He IS our Savior because it was not just a one time thing, He IS our Savior each and everyday. 

Now, I gave these 3 examples to make a point.  We need to treat all of those around us as equals, and as we do that and love them, we will begin to understand them and their needs.  As we begin to comprehend these things we begin to know the things that are the most important in their lives, we begin to understand how they act in certain situations, and we begin to find out those small things that no one else would find out.  I believe that a leader today will be the most effective if and only if they understand not only the people they lead, but also the entire world.  As I learn about the world and its seemingly complex patterns and events, I realize they aren't that complex.  If we would just come down out of our high places and follow the example of our Savior Jesus Christ, humble ourselves and love and respect each other, we will begin to understand how to successfully bring peace to the earth.  

Anyway, from that let us work hard to understand, whether it be our neighbor, our dear friend, or our worst enemy.  Whether we be of positions of authority or simply a citizen of a nation, we all can work on understanding.  It really once again all comes down to charity which we learn from our Exemplar, Jesus Christ.  

Anyway, just some thoughts to kick off this month of October.  Don't expect much more for awhile... midterms!!! yikes!