Reader urges greater focus on spiritual well-being in Knox County

Dear Editor,

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, there are a variety of meanings for the word union. The meanings are all similar with subtle differences. The same is true of unity. 

For the purpose of this letter, I have chosen "a confederation of independent individuals (such as nations or persons) for some common purpose" to define union and the "quality or state of being made one" to define unity.

Over the past several years Mount Vernon and Knox County has, in my opinion, been blessed by collaborative efforts of a variety of religious organizations for the common good of people in the county. Kudos to the people from those organizations who have supported those efforts. I applaud the results of the unified efforts because they have produced truly good results in helping people get their physical needs met. No question providing physical well being is an important and necessary function of religious organizations, but is it the primary function? I submit that spiritual well being is of greater importance and should be the primary focus of religious organizations. A person can be in excellent physical shape but a total wreck spiritually.

I wonder, what would happen in Knox County if these same organizations put as much effort into the spiritual well being of Knox countians. If you've read this far (and I hope you have), you may be thinking or saying; My church puts a lot of effort into spiritual well being. The question is, "Is the effort pleasing to God"?

Well, I've already used up almost all my 300 words so there's no way to tackle this issue today. God willing, I will follow up next month.

Mike Smith

Mount Vernon