I notice that many on the left are quick to offer opinions, protests, critiques, and solutions to the Iranians and the Gazans and the immigrants in MN, while assuming that their own self is A-OK as is. Follow your heart, they say, because it will never lead you astray.
On the other hand, conservatives emphasize the importance of inner order - that is, character formation, spiritual maturity, and correct understanding of what is good, true, and right.
As a flawed sinner, the answers to my problems (and the world’s) aren’t in my heart. The Truth - eternal and unchanging - lies external to me! Before I can save the world, I better be in a properly ordered relationship with God, and have a proper view of myself.
So the conservative starts with the broken, sinful self.
Only when I am aligning my heart with God can I start ministering to what’s out there.
“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” - Jesus
“Put the mask over your own face before helping your child.” - Flight Attendants Everywhere
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