Why are we nice to people? Just displaying common kindness, courtesy, and respect? Or do we want to avoid offending people so they wont hold grudges or take revenge? We want them to like us, or to do something for us in return? Its good to be kind. Its Biblical to be kind. But who are we doing it for: the other persons well-being, or our ego? Pride sneaks in to unexpected places, invading even behaviors that appear good and noble. And what to we mean by nice? Not ruffling anyones feathers? Being everyones friend? Being so diplomatic that we dont have an opinion or a stand about anything? I used to work in an environment where being perceived as mean was more of a sin than actually being wrong. Political correctness, I believe, falls into this category, too: perception and semantics trump reality. Its an uncomfortable journey, but Im trying to live true, calling out pride in my life and recognizing its subtle, manipulative presence. Sometimes, in order to be truly kind -- though not necessarily nice -- I have to call out pride in others lives as well, and thats never fun. If I protect myself, smile, and be nice, Ill say nothing. After all, Ive done that pride protection move so many times that its instinctive -- and if I call out someone, they wont like me. Theyll call me names, grumble, gossip, try to undermine me, say hateful things. But then Im letting fear and pride be in charge. Im still trying to break free and not let other peoples opinions or pride or fear hold me hostage. This battle, I fear, will not end until my journey does.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 17:48:51 +0000
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