Keeping our eyes simple

Materialism is a new trend today. Think! We wear and use these things not the other way around. We control these things, not the other way around.

"By keeping our eyes simple... Just as a lamp can illuminate our path and allow us to walk without falling, what we take in through our figurative 'eyes of the heart' can enlighten us, helping us to conduct ourselves without stumbling."


Resources:
w11 5/15 pp. 11-15 - The Watchtower-2011

Apple

Which one Is more difficult to do? Having Self-control or doing what you think you would never do? 

First, let’s present some simple situations. You have 3 pesos in your pocket. You’re very hungry and you find a basket of apples being sold by a merchant. You can’t afford to buy it but an opportunity comes when the merchant goes off for a while to get something from the back of her store. No one is watching, you can’t afford it… but you can take it for free. 

On the other hand, with the same situation, the merchant leaves for a while to get something from the back of her store. You’re standing near the basket with no one watching. You’re thinking, if I take this, no one will ever know and no harm done. But if I take it, my conscience will hunt me, I also harm the merchant from stealing from her. So then, you decided not to take anything. This case you have self-control.

Therefore, which one is more difficult: Having self-control or doing what your heart’s desire thinking only of your own gain? Same goes with any situation. Given opportunity to do two things… having a clear conscience or a colloid conscience harming others and in the long run, yourself. Which one is more important: Your fleshly desires or a clear conscience? 

Finally, the merchant comes back sees you looking at the apples. Then she gives you one, knowing that you didn’t take anything even if there was an opportunity. She smiles at you and thanked you. This case, you satisfied your hunger and you still have a clear conscience. You also gained a friend. 

Lesson: Self-control, there is no law against it. In the long run, you gain more. And you win!

Freedom = Accoutability

Freedom brings with it accountability. Whatever way we use our freedom, the consequences of those actions are and will be unavoidable. Only shrewd ones considers his steps, only then freedom can be truly called freedom.