Something happened. It happened slowly, subtly. But it has happened. A shift. You may not have noticed, maybe you have. But its happened. Now that I’m aware of it, I notice it frequently. The shift finds its way into cafe conversations, FB updates and just about any other place where people interact.
Since when did integrity stop meaning living consistently with your beliefs and values (or staying true to your convictions). Now it seems, that if one lives with integrity, he is labeled a hater. Judgemental. Close minded.
Guess what you are if you don’t live with integrity but maintain a value system. Hypocrite.
We can do better. I want to maintain a value and belief system. I want to live with integrity. I don’t want to be a hypocrite. I don’t want to be a hater. Not everyone will agree. Not all will understand. But it is possible.
It is possible to value equality. It is possible to love. It is possible to disagree with one another and still get along. It is possible to live with integrity, even in a day with so many conflicting value systems, and not be a hater. Possible, but not easy. Hypocrisy is easy. Having no convictions is easy.
I humbly offer the following. It is good to have convictions. It is good to live by them. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe is good and right and true. But do so in love, even if the world around you thinks you’re a hater. Don’t allow the shift to bump you from a living with integrity.
Amen. Well written. And may it be so in my life.
Amen! Thank you for this. I have often felt this way lately. I pray I can continue to stand for what I believe to be true and just and good and show love to all.