What are the true natures of a chemical bond and a chemical reaction?

A chemical
reaction is a thermodynamic sink, nothing more and nothing less. It is simply the configuration
of electrons and protons of two atoms that minimizes the energy. When there is no overlap
between atoms, the electrons push them apart due to the electrostatic force. When they are too
close together, the electrostatic force between the nuclei results in a similar if not stronger
repulsion, but at a certain optimum distance, the nuclei of each atom can attract the electrons of
the other with a force greater than either of the repulsions. Mathematically, this precarious
balance could be considered the state at which the energy of the environment is locally
minimized.
However, the question that must follow is obviously, Why does that entropy and
spontaneity of the universe not cause everything to decay at an appreciable, visibly noticeable
rate? The answer once again relates to energy. Escaping a thermodynamic minimum is much
akin to climbing a mountain: It generally requires a great deal of energy in a short period of time.
Of course, easily reversible equilibriums exist with minimal activation energies. Additionally,
catalysts can provide alternative pathways that reduce activation energies with being consumed,
but to achieve the desired reaction that energy still must be provided.
Our world is a vessel in which millions of reactions take place. As humans, our only goal
is to minimize conflict with the environment in which we exist. As humans, we wage wars and
face hardship to make a better world. As humans, we study the universe and seek God for
answers and solutions to the problems around us. The product of our reactions is a beautiful,
global society that one day may achieve harmony.
In the reaction humans call society, everyone wants to be a reactant, a catalyst, or part of
the product. We claim that the greatest of men pass through the refiners fire, but everyone
forgets one part of the reaction, the energy. Everyone wants to be the refiner or the product of the
flame. Everyone wants to be the catalyst, promoting the cause but never being consumed.
Everyone wants to be Lincoln yet no one wants to go the theater. Everyone wanted to end the
Second World War yet none wanted to pilot the Enola Gay. Everyone wants to be like Jesus yet
none want to be John the Baptist. Everyone wants the product, yet none wants to be consumed to
provide the flame.
For any meaningful progress to be made, a spark, a flame, a motivation must be provided.
The passionate, the brave, the martyrs will always sacrifice themselves to achieve the final goal.
While no one wants to be a martyr, the martyrs all realize one singular truth. To provoke the
reaction one desires, it is always better to be consumed in a brilliant flash to start the fire than to
smolder away with a lost cause.