Human growth and responsibility

Abstract

I have been asked to reflect on the broad topic or human growth and responsibility, and to do so from the Christian perspective. Since we are gathered together as an assembly of Muslims and Christians. it is appropriate to ask, at the very beginning or our discussion, what is the basic factor that draws us together? I believe that if the rt.:' is one thing that draws Muslims and Christians together it is that they both respect God. We could make it a little stronger and say that they both love God. Let me illustrate that point with a story. In 1962 a Muslim religious leader and I were requested to make a joint presentation to a mixed audience in the city of Bangalore, India. A very large number of people were present for the occasion. The general topic was "key religious principles." I was to speak first for the dialogue, and did so. Then Sheikh Alam presented bis address. At the end of his speech he stopped, turned to me and spoke these memorable words: "You know.Mr. Miller. you and l are the lovers of God, and in today's world the lovers of God must stand together." I will never forget those words, and the hush that descended on that great auditorium. I want to follow those word to one implication. As lovers of God we meet together in friendship, but we do more than that. We meet as people who desire to be God's faithful servants and who want to stand in God's presence as responsible men and women. We want to grow in God's approval, not because we are proud but because we love God.