Da Word... 228! Conduct son!

Oh, you just know a snake when you meet one.  Maybe not right at first, but after a couple dealings with such an individual, his or her true writhing, slithering form emerges.  And how do you feel about such a person?  Nothing good right?  Forget about hanging out with this person; any interaction is usually strictly confined to business.  If at all possible, you might even sever all dealings with this person if you could.  

The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

- Proverbs 21:8

Ain't that something? That one sentence right there explains the feeling we get when we do something with integrity and character and when we do it neither with integrity nor character.  It's just... BAM!  Let's pause for a moment and think about that snake again.  Why does such and individual really rub us the wrong way, maybe even unto the point of gagging?  It's because that snake's actions are quite devious!  Straight slimy even.  You stop and think to yourself, "How could anyone do something like that?  What is wrong with that dude?  I mean for real!? Has he no conscience?"

Yeah those are the kinds of emotions that start to bubble up, and hardcore too!  On the flip-side, one who conducts himself uprightly gives us such a refreshing feeling.  We're like, "Wow, that is a stand-up dude.  You know something, I'd like to get to know him outside of this business context. I'll invite him to the crib for grub and chillage."  In what is quite the opposite reaction, we tend to be drawn with awe to someone who acts uprightly.  Isn't that surprising!!!!  One who acts uprightly should be the norm!  Not the exception!!!!!

So what about us?  How do each of us handle our everyday interactions?  Are we being devious so that we can get what we want at the expense of someone less wise?  Or are we conducting ourselves uprightly and looking out for the collective well being of everyone?  The former is selfish while the latter is selfless.  Let's draw away from snakelike tendencies and sprint for uprightness.  Let's be that exception to whom many are drawn.  In so doing, a real legacy begins to form with real and foreseeable positive repercussions spreading to many upon many.  Besides... who wants to be called a snake!?  Stand against the tide and rise!

G_bless, 

  - patrick