Editorial November 21, 1970 Issue

Working for Humanity's Welfare

Naomi Price

The responsibility for maintaining order and well-being in the community belongs to everyone. While governments may set up official bodies to establish a decorous social climate in which its citizens may live in peace and prosperity, the individual still has a vital private contribution to make to the general welfare of the world in which he lives.

Christ Jesus stated the rule for neighborly living, but his injunction "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" ^{Matt. 22:39;} implies that more than passive goodwill toward their fellow citizens is required of Christians. Nothing less than the sincere, selfless, active expression of love fulfills their social obligation—a condition of outgoing thoughtfulness that really cares for others and is willing to go to a great deal of trouble and even personal sacrifice, if necessary, to establish the heaven of safety and prosperity on earth and ensure the well-being of everyone in the community.

The human race includes great numbers of public-spirited individuals—people who are deeply concerned for the welfare of others. Many of them work with great dedication for the good of society, and the world is in some measure better for their activity. But despite these monumental human efforts, it is all too obvious that social problems not only persist but are becoming increasingly magnified as population figures skyrocket and human needs increase. Many dedicated humanitarians find that the tasks of community responsibility become so formidable, the shortcomings of society so multifarious and devious, that they become discouraged.

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