President's Message, January 2002

Before sin entered the world, the human heart was completely benevolent-filled with the essence of heaven. However, every since sin (made its intrusion), the heart of each human being contains both the seeds of benevolence, as well as the germs of selfishness—the two strongest forces in the universe. Benevolence is the foundation of God’s kingdom, His character; selfishness, the character of Satan. Enclosed within each heart are the forces of good and evil.

These forces are deadly enemies. Exercise benevolence and selfishness is starved to death. Exercise selfishness and the wellsprings of benevolence dry up.

God has a master plan for the salvation of the world. He has chosen a people to carry out this plan. In light of the evidence, God can and will provide whatever is required to carry out this plan. Why, then, is the plan not as successful as we wish?

The problem is not lack of time, skill or resources—the problem is selfishness. Men and women have been appropriating for themselves those things that would have brought completion to God’s plan.

Possibly the problem is the common belief that we are owners, rather than stewards; using our possessions as we wish, rather than as the Owner wishes. May God give us the grace to pray that selfishness, in all its forms, will be uprooted from our hearts.