Many of us lose our identities because we tend to go with the flow. We cater to what is popular and we are very much conscious not to deviate from what is normal as dictated by the society. As a result, many of us become dishonest simply because many are dishonest.
It is very discouraging to note that many are shocked by honesty and a few by deceit. We are shocked when we hear stories like a taxi driver returning a big amount of cash. Some of us might say, “Is he out of his mind? He is not using his brain. He should be practical.” Such remarks uttered by those in the mainstream society suggest that most of us are willing to sacrifice honesty in exchange of personal gain. On the other hand, when we hear politicians doing electoral frauds and deceits in the government, we just act as if nothing happens; our response to such event will not be a shock. Some of us might say, “That is not NEWS. It is normal because many people are doing that.” We fail to realize that what is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular. If such mentality and line of thinking continues, what kind of future will we have? Probably, things will worsen to its optimum and we will find ourselves living in a society where dishonest people dwell. What a disaster!
Dishonesty is very rampant in our society. Many of us become dishonest because we tend to look after our own welfare only and thus we become selfish. What matters to us is our own interest and needs that somehow push us to do injustices.
Dishonesty is common among politicians. They have lots of promises during the campaign but they always forget all of these when they already take their seats in the government. These people are supposed to act as good models because they are the leaders of our nation. And as leaders, they must catch the confidence of their followers because a leader cannot be one unless he has followers. Leaders should also consider that the only way to have their followers’ confidence is through their unquestionable integrity. A leader must keep his word. He must fulfill his promises to the people. He must do what he has said and must stand firm in his decisions no matter what. But it is sad to note that only a few of our government leaders are able to maintain their integrity. If only all of our government leaders have integrity, our nation might have resurrected from poverty which prevails in our society.
It is sadder to note that dishonesty is not limited only in our government. Even the Church has its own share of dishonesty. Some clergymen are excellent in their homilies; they can even make their parishioners laugh and cry. They are like saints in the pulpit that could touch one’s heart. But when they live their own personal lives, their actions do not anymore reflect the words they utter. Some of them are so strict that they almost forget the Christian virtue of compassion. Worst, some of them are living scandalous lives.
The only consolation I could draw as I look at this reality is the fact that the Church is flawed only because the people composing it are flawed and imperfect. However I think that we must not try to justify our misdeeds and lapses by our nature as imperfect beings. We must try to make a difference by staying firm with what we believe and by doing according to what we say.
Yes, words are powerful. But actions speak louder than words. Actions are more emphatic; they convey a message that cannot be contained in words. Words are always deficient because of the limitations of our language. It cannot capture the innermost yearnings and longings of our souls. We should always remember that well-done is better than well-said. Thus words and deeds should be complementary, congruent, and united. If that is the case, we will become persons of unquestionable integrity and we will be making a difference.
Though in making a difference we will encounter oppositions and negative feedback from the mainstream society, we should still stand our ground with the belief that we are just doing what is right. We should maintain our integrity and should be honest even if others are not, will not, and can not. Had not Jesus Christ made a difference by dying on the cross for the salvation of mankind, then we could have been eternally damned.
It is very discouraging to note that many are shocked by honesty and a few by deceit. We are shocked when we hear stories like a taxi driver returning a big amount of cash. Some of us might say, “Is he out of his mind? He is not using his brain. He should be practical.” Such remarks uttered by those in the mainstream society suggest that most of us are willing to sacrifice honesty in exchange of personal gain. On the other hand, when we hear politicians doing electoral frauds and deceits in the government, we just act as if nothing happens; our response to such event will not be a shock. Some of us might say, “That is not NEWS. It is normal because many people are doing that.” We fail to realize that what is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular. If such mentality and line of thinking continues, what kind of future will we have? Probably, things will worsen to its optimum and we will find ourselves living in a society where dishonest people dwell. What a disaster!
Dishonesty is very rampant in our society. Many of us become dishonest because we tend to look after our own welfare only and thus we become selfish. What matters to us is our own interest and needs that somehow push us to do injustices.
Dishonesty is common among politicians. They have lots of promises during the campaign but they always forget all of these when they already take their seats in the government. These people are supposed to act as good models because they are the leaders of our nation. And as leaders, they must catch the confidence of their followers because a leader cannot be one unless he has followers. Leaders should also consider that the only way to have their followers’ confidence is through their unquestionable integrity. A leader must keep his word. He must fulfill his promises to the people. He must do what he has said and must stand firm in his decisions no matter what. But it is sad to note that only a few of our government leaders are able to maintain their integrity. If only all of our government leaders have integrity, our nation might have resurrected from poverty which prevails in our society.
It is sadder to note that dishonesty is not limited only in our government. Even the Church has its own share of dishonesty. Some clergymen are excellent in their homilies; they can even make their parishioners laugh and cry. They are like saints in the pulpit that could touch one’s heart. But when they live their own personal lives, their actions do not anymore reflect the words they utter. Some of them are so strict that they almost forget the Christian virtue of compassion. Worst, some of them are living scandalous lives.
The only consolation I could draw as I look at this reality is the fact that the Church is flawed only because the people composing it are flawed and imperfect. However I think that we must not try to justify our misdeeds and lapses by our nature as imperfect beings. We must try to make a difference by staying firm with what we believe and by doing according to what we say.
Yes, words are powerful. But actions speak louder than words. Actions are more emphatic; they convey a message that cannot be contained in words. Words are always deficient because of the limitations of our language. It cannot capture the innermost yearnings and longings of our souls. We should always remember that well-done is better than well-said. Thus words and deeds should be complementary, congruent, and united. If that is the case, we will become persons of unquestionable integrity and we will be making a difference.
Though in making a difference we will encounter oppositions and negative feedback from the mainstream society, we should still stand our ground with the belief that we are just doing what is right. We should maintain our integrity and should be honest even if others are not, will not, and can not. Had not Jesus Christ made a difference by dying on the cross for the salvation of mankind, then we could have been eternally damned.
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