Transforming Into A Better Individual
Simply by a critical examination of one’s life, deeds and actions.
It is so easy to overlook our own shortcomings, especially if we believe we are good, kind and God-fearing. The Apostle Paul once said, ‘’My conscience is clear, but that does not prove that I am really innocent. The One who evaluates me is the Lord.’’ 1 Corinthians 4:4
This really shows how delusional mankind can be about justice and righteousness. And this is the reason why each and every one of us needs to examine our life, our actions daily whether we are in line with a good conscience.
If we have trained our conscience to nudge us, of course, it will. However, I am afraid that most of us have deadened our conscience that it no longer speaks to us.
Work On Yourself First
The humble way to spiritual transformation is working on oneself first and foremost. We need to work on our shortcomings, practice empathy, love and forgiveness. as a skill for self-development.
The greatest work anyone has to do is on himself
It is not easy to do this. First, we can think of how we react to those who offend us. Do we put ourselves in their own shoes by trying to understand their actions, or do we shove them aside, that they must be punished?
It is obvious that the level of our response indicates our spirituality. The advice from the Master is to ‘’remove the plank in your own eyes first, then you can see clearly the specks in other peoples’ eyes.’’ How tolerant are we of another’s flaws and shortcomings? What is our own ability to see our own misdoing?
This is because we have our own belief system, our morals, and genetics, (culture) which we have built up over the years. These are the standard of what we think is right and wrong, and anything short of our standards is evil or criminal. Do we stop and think whether we are not being guided by our so-called standard in judging another? This will be self-righteousness.
‘’Everyone loves justice in the affairs of another.’’ Italian Proverb
We must be willing to accept blame if need be, ready to change our ways as appropriate before we can receive the readily available help and support from the Universe. Our willingness is what we are giving back, and we would have done our share.
The Way Forward
Anything that requires development needs to change. Indeed all developments require change. Look at the change in a cocoon to a beautiful butterfly. So it is for man.
The penitence for mankind is to change his evil ways and start anew towards what is good and noble. Without this, there is no further development into his luminous character fit for eternal life.
We need to examine ourselves and do the change. Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘’Be the change you want to see in the world.’’ We are not to complain but rather see how we can improve the situation.
How To React To Unpleasant Situation
It is difficult to generalise, but each situation will be taken on its merit. What is important here is to know that one has been brought into that particular situation as a learning curve, for a reason.
Your reaction should be a positive response both to you and the others concerned here. This is by creating an atmosphere of love and compassion, not by the detachment.
Our spiritual responsibility will from time to time throws unpleasant people and situations into us. It is by our reaction that we can eradicate and alleviate the darkness they represent
Our reaction is a challenge, and this is a voice we all face. Turn your face away by practising detachment, or accept the responsibility that the situation or the person needs your help, which you are capable and will be willing to offer.
Remember that the way of the Master is a way of love and compassion.
Read more: Rebecca Romanelli on Integrity
