Governments have a strange tendency to use ‘economy’ as a synonym of ‘society’. They talk about protecting the economy as if it is the only measure of a people. It is not.

The governments of small countries line up behind more powerful countries because they want to protect the economy ie the money. Politicians want to remain in office and appease their backers. At what cost?

Those who line up behind more extremist leaders may not have forgotten the difference between right and wrong, but they believe, or have been persuaded, that the ends justify the means, that all will be well if the money rolls in, if they are lifted up at the expense of others being pushed down and out. They have bought the lie that economy equals society.  Often, they, too, are being used, but as long as they continue to convince themselves all will be well with these ‘strong men’ they will continue to obey.

With every concession to the powerful, what is being given up? Ethics are gradually eroded, morality becomes meaningless, hate is stoked and kindness is sneered at. It is the freedom of human beings that is ultimately being sold, in exchange for a tenuous safety that scarcely convinces. Are we selling our souls for the illusion of security?

Throughout history this pattern repeats itself. Human beings, allegedly intelligent, never seem to learn. So many will always choose self-interest over ethics. It causes ruin, misery and death. But the ones who have lined their pockets do not care about the dead bodies they have climbed over to get there. They have sold their souls for money and power. They wallow in the riches of the world, and they will never understand what they have lost.

What can the rest of us do? Hang on to what’s right, do what’s right, look out for each other. It takes courage, and faith, when the world is screaming that you are the enemy if you will not obey.

All we can do is the best we can do

And trust in the Lord to see us through