Self-Betrayal

Living up to the standards that we set for ourselves can be the most rewarding experience. If we keep our word, follow our plans, keep our promises, and bring our ideas to life, we feel we are fulfilling our purpose. Knowing the gospel, the findings of modern science, and the experiences of our own lives, we have all we need, to know how to live. But what happens when we don't live up to what we know is right?

If we know we should be honest, but we find ourselves cheating on assignments, then we have 2 options: we can either change our behaviors, or we will feel a great need to justify ourselves in our dishonesty. We will either throw out the principle of honesty and integrity, or we have to face ourselves! It's much easier to justify our behavior than admit we are wrong.

If we believe we need to avoid processed foods in order to be healthier, but we eat our processed snacks anyways, we can choose to justify our behavior, or honestly try to change.

As we discard one principle and virtue at a time, in favor of justifying our own inevitable inadequacies, eventually we will find ourselves liberated entirely of principles. We can do no wrong if we don't call it wrong, right?

But it doesn't really work that way. Carelessness has consequences.

What we do really matters.

There is one thing we bring with us everywhere, our character. If we are not building up a character of self-discipline, we are building a character of self-deception and self-betrayal.

When I speak of self-betrayal, I'm speaking of betraying the best version of ourselves, the best within us, the version of ourselves that we are capable of becoming.

How we act in schoolwork is how we will act in work, or at home. Every choice we make erodes or reinforces our integrity, self-respect, and how much others can trust us.

In all our choices, we must sacrifice something. Will we sacrifice our principles or our pride? For every moment that we decide that the conveniences of the moment and the difficulty of facing our inadequacies, is more important than doing what's right, we de-value those principles, until they mean nothing to us.

Every action either prioritizes self-discipline, or convenience. The more often you prioritize one over the other, the easier it will be the next time.

I'm sure we all know people who have travelled down this path of self-justification, through its many shades of gray.

What do you think it takes to live a life of integrity? And how have you changed when you've found yourself living below your own better nature? Add your thoughts in the comments below.