Communication
There are many reasons for the increasing number of unresolved problems facing the world today - not the least being the lack of true communication which is the imparting or exchange of knowledge, thoughts, feelings and ideas. When conducted honestly, such exchanges can bridge chasms of disagreement and division. One thing however must be recognised - true communication is not a contest.
As people we have tended to seek political and/or legal solutions to many, if not most, of our problems. By doing so we may have unwittingly relinquished more of our freedom than we intended - given away many opportunities for reconciliation without recourse to legislation or litigation and denied ourselves experience in the practice and art of communicating.
When we choose a political solution it is impotant to realise we will be exposing ourselves to the possiblity of political propaganda which can be projected as, or mistaken for, communication. Let us be quite clear, propaganda is not true communication - it is not an exchange of information but the organised dissemination of information, allegation etc. It is formulated specifically to benefit the cause and image of one side to the detriment of the other.
If political propaganda is used too freely and not within responsible limits, then we are in danger of being caught up in a serious communication breakdown. When this occurs people feeling so dominated by high pressure politics become cynical, their opinions volitile and their attitudes generally non cooperative. Factions begin to form and often evolve into intolerant pressure or protest groups. Values once considered important are swept aside.
Integral to such a situation is the stressing and straining of an economy by abuse and indulgent self interest which can cause serious inflationary pressure and possible disruption of employment opportunities. You can be assured that the amount and intensity of and form of propaganda will be in direct proportion to the failure of policy and performance. It is probably one of the most reliable barometers of incompetence there is. The world does not want or need wholesale propaganda or petty slogans. Experience has shown that slogans and hollow promises do not solve problems.
In the following aphorisms God expresses His desire for our peaceful progresss towards good communication skills.
'My dear children, do not fear to communicate with me for I have much to tell you which will not be too much for you now.’ 'In taking an interest in things that truly matter you will discover the way to me and eternal life.’ ‘Give timely expressions of support to those who need encouragement.’ 'Insert goodwill into your communications.’ ‘Avoid half truths for they will put an end to the goodwill essential for fruitful communications.’ ‘Think before you speak.’ ‘Enquire but avoid being critical.’ ‘Be sober and not angry when communicating.’ ‘Know how and when to stop!’