Article April 24, 1995 Issue

An effective start in stopping crime

Jeanne Kirkpatrick

A frustrated law-enforcement officer spoke about certain government policies as "dancing around the edges." Instead of getting to the core of the crime problem, the solutions offered were, he felt, just dealing with the peripheral issues. If those involved in fighting crime could feel so challenged, what can an ordinary citizen do? How can we truly help free ourselves and others, whether victim or perpetrator, from crime?

Eliminating the influence of intemperance, intolerance, self-will, hate, within our own lives is a first step. And this is a step that each one of us can take. By healing sin, anything unlike God, good, within ourselves, we are helping fight crime. In this effort our aim is to express man's true nature as the reflection of God, of Truth and Love. As we manifest spiritual qualities, such as purity, righteousness, we feel the moral power of good; Truth will lead us to see ways to bless all who come in contact with us. Understanding our spiritual nature gives us the authority to express greater dominion and helps us bring calm in the midst of excitement, intelligence not confusion, courage instead of fear.

Some time ago, I had a challenging experience, but the result showed me the power behind understanding the spiritual nature of God's man. I interrupted a man in the act of stealing the wallet from my purse. I spoke to him about God and his relation to Him. I know now that the Christ-power that was healing me of fear was also helping that man yield to his true, spiritual nature, the expression of God, good. In a few moments his attitude changed. It changed to such an extent that he even stopped his buddy from giving me trouble. He then asked if I needed any money, and pulled some from his pocket. Although I declined, I was grateful for his gesture because I felt it might be a sign of a change of heart beginning to happen in him. I know that for me the outcome of this incident was a proof God's power governing both of us.

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