Quote:
Originally Posted by Hook'em Horns
Integrity is a learned habit. Humility is the key to integrity. Integrity doesn't grow on trees and can't just be picked up because someone says they have it. You have to be completely transformed in your mind. Humility takes practice!
We are sinful creatures by nature. Not that I am calling anyone in specific a sinner but the reality of it is that we all are. Our flesh was born into a world of sin and we operate under its law. Here is where humility comes into play...the problem is not the sinner or the person who has the issue of integrity. Lets call this person "the thief." The "thief" has an issue yes but we know not why, nor do we know the situation nor the circumstances that lead the "thief" to his actions, nor do we know the "thiefs" lineage. This does not mean he gets a free pass but what it does mean is that as a community we must promote "better" to obtain "better". The problem can't be fixed by addressing the "sinner" or the "thief by publicly bashing them.
You see we will never come into a place of love, integrity and fellowship less we first learn how to forgive. We all have sinned and it just bothers me when others are quick to condemn someone but their secrets lye hiding in a closet somewhere. Whom are we to judge? Lay your cards on the table, are you truly worthy of forgiveness? I guarantee that most of us here if we were sincerely speaking would say "we are not worthy of forgiveness". When we go online or secretly get on conference calls to spread cancer like symptoms about another individual that further seperates us from getting into the place of tranquility, peace, fun and fellowship with each other. When the sinner is saturated in an environment promoted with love, fellowship and integrity and know that his flaws are not judged that and that alone is what promotes change. However, on the flip side with criticism and judgment come defensiveness and anger which will never lead us into the place of integrity. An individual must be provoked into change. Something has to trigger that switch. Internal uncomfort provokes change, external uncomfort provokes anger. It is important that we know and understand the difference and how they apply to your brother.
When you see a brother make a mistake or fall, lift him up and encourage him. Don't get angry and talk about him. Pull him to the side, talk to him. Even if he doesn't like the talk he would have heard it and when he goes home it will sit with him in his spirit. He will respect you and your actions will have promoted change in his life. Maybe not immediately, but if enough of this is deposited into his life, it will provoke a response. Dont spread cancer like symptoms and try to ruin him, for he will resent the hobby and its cause and will become a cancer himself.
That is how we get back to integrity
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Thanks Mike... We needed to hear some of that.
If we are to follow Ken down his path, we may cause more harm than good... I know I have been victim of such bashing in the past for reasons not my fault or their fault directly, but still endered the trouble. I have had dealing with many here and as the "seller" have provide very good service to all. However, when I am the "buyer" I don't get the same treatment from some here... but I stopped trying to 'call them out' because it will not make any difference to the root cause of why..... it just makes it fustrating when it's your turn to be on the other end....
as long as we are open to communicate with each other, all things can be worked out, if you want them to be worked out....
