What Are Your Values?

Did you realize that everyday we are confronted with issues that challenge our integrity and self-respect? Every day, a situation will occur that will cause you to make a decision about what is right or wrong. A decision that should cause you to pause and question your values.

But the big question is – What are your values? What are you willing to stand up for? What would cause you to say ‘No’? Have you given that question much thought? How would you answer that question?

The answer is fairly easy. Most of us will answer that question with statements like honesty, truthfulness, integrity, etc. But let’s look at how some of us define those terms:

Some people will say they are honest,
         but will not tell a waiter he gave them too much change, or failed to charge them for something.
         but will fail to include all of their income on their tax return or take a deduction they don't deserve.

Some people will say they value truth,
        but will repeat gossip that has no validity.
        but will tell their children to say they are not home when someone calls.

Sometimes these situations occur and rapid judgements are made without any considerations about the potential consequences. What’s the harm in a white lie? The harm is the damage it does to your internal thought processes. Today it’s a white lie - tomorrow you are stealing from someone. Aristotle said 'The least initial deviation from the truth is multiplied later a thousand fold'. Take the time to decide if this is right or wrong for you and consider the impact to your spirit, your inner tranquility! These tiny decisions can create big time turmoil internally.

When you are facing a decision about right or wrong, use Zig Ziglar's method. Think to yourself – Would I want to see this on the front page of tomorrow’s newspaper?

Joe freeman

I conceive that the great part of the miseries of mankind
are brought upon them by false estimates
they have made of the value of things.
-- Benjamin Franklin