Me Thinks

In a Sociology Theory class, we are studying the difference between Greek and Hebrew thinking.  The professor opened my eyes to this difference, which I had never discussed or read about before.  We had an assignment to apply what we learned in class and through class readings to a scripture.  Here is part of what I wrote:

On a more spiritual note, the scriptures can be interpreted through a Greek or Hebrew way of thinking.  I will explain this by referencing a scripture from the Book of Mormon.  In Moroni, Chapter 7, verse 44, we are told that “A man must needs have charity or he is nothing.” Charity is one of the Christ like qualities that each of must acquire in our quest to become Godlike.  Charity is not a title or a calling.  It is not a ticket you pick up as you attend a certain number of service projects.  It is not a badge that you wear or a sticker you put on your shirt.  You cannot easily make a check mark by charity and say that yes, you now have it.  That is a Greek way of thinking about it.  Charity is change.  Charity is a process.  Charity is becoming a new person, a less judgmental person, a more empathetic person, a more humble and loving person. Charity is acquired in the “doing” of life.  You can’t apply for it without the effort.  You can’t wait in a line for it, or buy it, or ask for it for Christmas.  As the Hebrews say, the word charity is a verb. Charity is serving with no expectation of reward.  Charity is loving as Christ would love.  Charity is acquired as you look at someone with love, as you pray for them, as you serve them, as you reach out without being asked, and you do this over and over again.  Then your heart begins to change and you are on the road to becoming charitable.