IT IS NECESSARY TO LET GO OF CERTAIN THINGS

To fulfil essential obligations, one must practice patience and contentment in less significant matters. But people prioritize things on their home front and neglect important matters concerning religion.

While passing the road near Ajmeri Gate in Delhi, I overheard a bangle seller woman whispering, “If I wear a thousand rupees saree, I won’t be able to care for my children.”  The bangle seller sitting next to her had criticized her ordinary saree. In response, the woman explained that she could indeed buy a better saree, but its cost would burden her to the extent that she would have nothing to spend on raising and educating her children.

This simple truth applies to everyone’s life. Every individual knows that to fulfil their essential obligations; they must practice patience and contentment in less significant matters. They must be willing to settle for less in certain areas to attain more in others.

This principle applies to both the poor and the rich. The poor must reduce their necessities to adhere to this principle, while the rich must reduce their luxuries and comforts. Sacrificing less essential aspects and favouring more important ones is a universal obligation. There is no distinction between individuals in this regard.

However, people seem to have forgotten this crucial principle regarding religion and faith. In this realm, everyone finds themselves in the same state described in the Bible: “God’s house is in ruins because each of you is running towards his own house.” (Haggai 1:9)

People often prioritize the matters within their homes. They leave behind what they perceive as less important and focus on what they consider more important. However, when it comes to religious and communal matters, they tend to disregard the distinction between the important and the less important. They follow their preferences in these areas, even if it means neglecting what is truly important and getting caught up in trivial matters.