I believe the good way is God’s way. I firmly believe that world’s religions founded on love for God and other people help point us in the right direction. Religions help us by bringing us together with those of like mind and kindred spirits, improving our endurance and giving us support in troubled times.
     I believe that we are to live life to the fullest. I believe there must be balance in life, balance that allows time and energy for purely recreational things. But life also should have intertwined in it a purpose or purposes, meaning and depth. Your life should count for something, something good, something you consider important.
     Find your own niche. It may not be a glorious niche, but if you are honest, use your talents, live with integrity, and seek to love yourself, your fellow human beings, and God, you will achieve your niche in life and with God., and I believe He will consider you an extraordinary person.
     If you achieve great riches and fame, and love yourself, others and God, I believe God will certainly love you too. And we should all guard against envy toward those who do gain fame and fortune.
     Life is complicated. Some see and understand God’s calling at an early age while others, such as I, even though trained early, do not comprehend or have faith until much later.
     But I believe that there is that still small voice within each of us, that piece of God that gives each of us the opportunity and the means to find God and to have everlasting life. I found that voice or that element through my church, but I believe, as my minister does, that God is too big to be contained within one denomination or one religion. The God in whom I believe is the God of the universe and contains this entire world always, now, in times gone by and in times to come.
     In the beginning God said, “Let there be light.” I believe that, as I do the Bible as a whole. But I have difficulty believing all parts of the Bible literally. I believe now is the time to compare religions throughout the world, to search for the common elements as many have done before. How has God’s love been revealed to us so far? What are the elements of commonality, balance, and idealism in our world today within the religions of the world? How can each religion be improved and purified from the intrusion of man’s outside influence?
     I would envision a broadening in a gradual way of religions to provide for other religions. I would not expect a common religion among six billion persons because we simply think differently, and we have different religious and political histories.
     But acceptance of commonality within multiple religions can allow peace, prosperity and oneness with God. Let the sun of God shine on all of us, providing us with the warmth of love and understanding. There will be cloudy days for sure. God tests our resolve, but if we pass the test our strength increases. And if we don’t pass the test, we must try again, and again, and again.
     They say that love conquers all. I agree, on human and spiritual terms. 
  
                                                            From Deep Within My Heart, by John E. Wade II
  

On an individual level, one way to lower aggressiveness is to reduce stress. I believe reducing stress levels also can reduce aggression among nations. Doing business together worldwide, in an honest and forthright manner, could reduce that stress level and lead to all sorts of people-to-people interactions.

Peace and stability, nation by nation around the world are desirable, and do not mean the status quo. Look at the United States. It has many resources, including private capital, human capital and natural resources. But I believe that we have the by far world’s foremost economy because of our strong democracy and belief in capitalism.

Why do I mix spiritual, political and economic elements together? Quite frankly, I do so on purpose, for I believe that a heaven on earth will come only after God and humankind unite these essential elements in some fashion.

                                                            Excerpt from recount of trip to Holy Land in Deep With My Heart, by John E. Wade II

    Could we survive without shortcuts or labels?  Think of it—the worst labels are the mindless acronyms that pervade everything from government jargon to computer programs.  On second thought, I believe acronyms aren’t the worst labels. The worst are those that refer to other people: Nigger, slut, whacko, dummy and so forth.  These thoughtless designations not only damage, they inflict their damage instantaneously.  
     We must have empathy for our fellow humans, reaching out to them even if they don’t fit our “proper” profile.  Appearances are labels of a sort, whether they are skin color, age, dress, weight or even tattoos.  Life is full of situations where one may have to judge by appearances or labels, but such situations ought to be restricted to personal safety issues or other such practical reasons.  Empathy doesn’t mean, however, that you have to accept as a friend someone you don’t like or respect, for to do so would be superficial and hypocritical.
      If each of us thinks of himself or herself as a citizen of the world, the process of removing artificial labels becomes simpler.  Citizenship implies equality, at least until one proves unworthy of equality, such as in cases of hardened criminals.  My concept of citizenship respects the boundaries of countries, regions and groups in this diverse world of ours.  Pride in oneself and one’s country can be healthy.
      The globalization of the economy, if handled properly, can lower borders through trade and communication.  Labels must be abandoned for all the benefits of free, fair trade.  Abolishing nationalistic labels and name-calling can maximize the benefits of this trade.  Of course, the great hope of the world is that through economic integration we will move gradually to a peaceful world.
      Are we humans locked into a love/hate relationship with our fellow humans?  We must look deep within ourselves for that answer, and to our creator.  Love to within, love to without and love from above are the answers. 
  
                                                        From Deep Within My Heart, by John E. Wade II