July 18, 2020 (Saturday)
Today, July 18, is the 95th anniversary of the book, “Mein Kampf,” by Adolph Hitler. In this book Hitler lays out his philosophies of life and reveals his plans to do exactly what he actually did eventually when he seized control of Germany and emerged as the one and only führer (tyrannical leader) of the German people.
His popularity grew during the five years he was in prison during the 1920s; his book appealed to many people anxious to follow his leading as fuehrer. Once he became Chancellor of Germany in 1933, his hold upon the minds of millions only got stronger.
Hitler originally wanted to call his forthcoming book Viereinhalb Jahre (des Kampfes) gegen Lüge, Dummheit und Feigheit, or Four and a Half Years (of Struggle) Against Lies, Stupidity and Cowardice. The publisher suggested the much shorter “Mein Kampf” or “My Struggle”.
The book was available in the public library of Houston during World War II. I know because I checked it out, but I do not recall reading it–I was just curious. After 1945 publishing rights were gained that prevented its publication until 1987.
The irony of Adolph Hitler is that the world stood by and watched as he proceeded to do just what he promised to do in his book. Countries believed his lies rather than his book as he took over one nation after the other, having become a dictator with no equal.
The lessons learned from Hitler are many, among which is the lesson that beliefs determine action. We cannot afford to ignore the beliefs of individuals, religions or nations. If they say they are going to destroy someone, we can most certainly believe that is their belief and it will guide their actions. If they boldly state their belief that other beliefs, religions, political systems or social doctrines are guiding their plans for the future, we must believe them. And we must not fear taking action in defense of ourselves or others.
When Jesus told us that He had come to fulfill the law, not destroy it, he emphasized the condition of the human heart. All human actions are the result of human thoughts. Murder happens because of hatred. Theft happens because of covetousness. Disruption of relationships happen because of jealousy or envy. Adultery follows lustful thinking. Idolatry follows evil thoughts of many kinds. Dishonoring parents flows from self-centeredness. Coveting what others possess is preceded by envy and jealousy. I’m sure you could cite other examples of sin that comes from the heart, because, ultimately, all sin originates in the heart.
The basic battleground for you and me is in our hearts and minds as they shape our will. What we end up actually doing is in some way related to what we allowed ourselves to think about.
Have you ever asked yourself, “Why did the religious leaders call for the crucifixion of Jesus?” Well, the Bible tells us why. They were jealous of Jesus. The people loved to hear Him and even servants of the religious leaders reported that ”never did a man speak like this man.” The religious rulers of Israel must have exclaimed, “Oh, my, what are you saying to us? We ourselves are the ultimate keepers of the truth.” Then came rationalization as they reasoned among themselves that the popularity of Jesus was causing dissension among the people. He must, therefore, be put out of the picture if the land is to have peace. So they rationalized, knowing, I’m sure, that such thinking would not please their God. They deceived themselves into thinking that killing Jesus would be of service to God.
There you have it. The decision to have Jesus executed was not by just a vote of the rulers. It was an expression of what was going on in their minds and hearts. Their selfishness and sin manifested itself as a form of self-righteousness unacceptable to God.
The principle at work, fomenting evil actions, is “the end justifies the means.” We need to put “THE END DOES NOT JUSTIFY THE MEANS” on a sign, and nail it to the wall of our mind, so that we do not bypass it when we make critical decisions. Right is right and wrong is wrong, no matter what the circumstances may be. It is never right to do wrong.
As Jesus taught, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”
