The Responsibilities Of Being Human

Ken Weber
January 8, 2011

I take you back to my early years in the Unification Church. Here is a slightly edited text of the very first speech that I ever gave in the Unification Church. It was eventually published in an old publication called, "New Age Frontiers in June of 1972. I hope that you enjoy it.

In the course of daily conversations we often hear statements such as these: "She spoke so beautifully. She really put her heart into all that she said. She's so wonderful, so human."

"Well, we didn't accomplish our goal this time. There were so many obstacles and difficulties to overcome; after all, we're only human."

"He's such a marvelous person, so thoughtful and wise. He's such a wonderful human being."

These three statements all talk about being human. But what does it mean to be human or to be a human being?

In the American College Dictionary it says:

"syn 1. Human or humane may refer to that which is or should be characteristic of human beings. In thus describing characteristics, human may refer to good and bad traits of mankind alike -- human kindness and human weakness -- with perhaps more emphasis upon the latter. Human is seen in contrast to diving: 'to err is human, to forgive divine,' 'he was only human.'"

So, we see that to be human is to be made up of both good and bad qualities. But is that how it is supposed to be? The term human is supposed to be a symbol of love, truth, strength, and creativity. Instead, it is often a symbol of hatred, lies, weakness, and destruction. It was supposed to be an honor to be human. But to be human is often looked on with scorn and disgust. Many people consider it a disgrace to be human. The thing is, according to the Principle, we have never grown to maturity. We are still children. We are not yet truly human.

In today's world people are famous for being wrapped up in a little world of their own problems and weaknesses. Yet, everyone actually has the desire to be great and to do great things. We all desire peace and brotherhood. But often people are afraid to reach out and take the first step.

Today, God is calling us to grow and become mature adults. To do this, we have to confront our weaknesses and strengthen our good points. God wants us to be confident and aggressive. He wants each individual to take, not just the first step, but a gigantic leap. To do this we all have to take on responsibility, working first in small things and then working toward larger things. For instance, when there is a job to be done, to take the responsibility to do our parts in it and not waiting for someone else to do it…to not wait to be asked to do something but to go ahead with that something, even if it is not our responsibility…to be the type of person who sees a job to do and takes full responsibility to do it. Being this type of person makes it easier to grow and mature. Because a person matures as fast as he or she takes on responsibility.

As members of the Unification Church, we must set the example for the rest of the world. We have to act as a parent to our nation, and raise it up to the level of responsible adulthood where it should be. To raise the nation, we must love it as a parent, and serve it, and set the example of how it should serve the world. If we do this, we will become truly human. For that is what being human really is: to be truly loving and also sacrificial. To love this nation as a parent, it is necessary to sacrifice for it, even sacrificing our lives if necessary. For to give your life for someone is to show him your greatest love.

Now, once we are inspired to make that big leap, a little voice inside us begins to say, "Hey, wait a minute… are you sure you want to do this now? You've never done anything like this before, you know. It's a big leap and a long fall if you fail. Maybe you had better not try this now. You're not very good at doing something like this anyway." This voice has many names. Among them are doubt, faithlessness, fear, and lack of confidence. These are aliases for Satan. Satan enters in and tries to create hardships for us and tries to do everything he can to stop us. We are at war with Satan and should use the weapons of truth, love, and unity that we have at our disposal.

At this period we can expect some of Satan's strongest attacks. How are we going to meet them? We might be somewhat fearful of how Satan will attack us, and we might let our fear pull us down spiritually. But we should be strong, and confident, and unified, and high in spirits. One big problem that many people have is that they worry about how Satan will attack next. If you happen to be a worrier, like me, just think of the worst problems that you could be presented with. Now, look a little deeper into these problems and start figuring out how you can overcome them. Usually you will find that there are many ways that these problems can be overcome, and that usually worry is unnecessary. Also, Satan loves to make people unhappy. He loves to make people feel really terrible. But usually, no matter how bad the situation is, there is usually something interesting and enjoyable in it. Look for these things. They may be hidden, but they are there. Enjoy life! It will drive Satan crazy!

Yes, there are many obstacles ahead and many problems to overcome. Satan will always be there saying, "Who do you think you are? Why, you're just a nobody. What power do you have?" But take pride in what you are as a son or daughter of God and True Parents! It's Satan's favorite tactic to say, "Why, you're just a nobody." Be a person who has the potential to really become a somebody! Think of what you are able to do, and then do it. Then CHHAAAARRRGGE!…for Pete's sake. We are son's and daughters of God. Have faith in God and what He has given you. Have faith in your abilities. We were meant to be lords over all creation! We were meant to be co-creators with God!

So, what does it mean to be human? The Divine Principle says: "If man had not fallen but had become one with God by establishing the four positions with Him, man would have been like a mirror to reflect God's perfect image and likeness. But by turning away from God, man shattered this mirror and could no longer reflect God's perfect image nor perceive His love. Looking at fallen man, God sees His wounded and broken creation, still bearing the Divine spark, the seed of perfection, but unable to respond to Him fully." We have the ability to become perfect. But, we have to grow into it.

What does it mean to be human? Being truly human is being mature, responsible, and sons and daughters of God and True Parents. It is being a co-creator with God. Being human is being confident in our abilities and outgoing in nature. It is being sacrificial with a parent's heart. To be human is to be loving, truthful, strong, and creative.

Whenever someone tells you that, "…after all, we are only human," look at them and say, "Being human is a responsibility, not an excuse!"

God Bless All Of You In The Work You Are Doing!