Sunday, October 5, 2008

Regardless of the Choices

Regardless of the choices we make, we will be used as an example to enhance the overall wellbeing of the world. In certain moments, we make choices that may negatively impact others or ourselves. During such moments, we will be utilized as an example of what not to do. Although we will not always influence others with our negative actions or behaviors, when the timing is right, God will place us in an environment with someone who needs to learn a lesson from our negative choices. Aligning with this concept, in certain moments, we also make choices that may positively impact others or ourselves. During such moments, when someone needs to learn a lesson from our positive choices, we will be utilized as an example of what should be done. We have the choice on how we want to influence others. We can act as a negative example and help teach others how not to live. Or, we can act as a positive example and help teach others how to make life-bettering choices.

By making negative choices, we will cause detriment to others and ourselves. Our negative choices, however, will still contribute to the greater good of this world because people will learn by our example that unhealthy choices cause pain and suffering to themselves and others. Seeing the detriment that we have inflicted upon ourselves and others will motivate those learning through us to make choices that will yield them more appealing outcomes. They will, as a result, be better equipped to serve as a positive example to others. By making positive choices, we glorify others and ourselves. Our positive choices will, therefore, also contribute to the greater good of this world. Seeing the glory that we have bestowed upon others and ourselves will inspire those learning through our example to make choices that will allow them to realize glorified living, as well.

Making positive choices fosters a win-win scenario. We win because we glorify ourselves through the choices we make. Others win because we grant goodness upon them, and they learn the value of positive living. In contrast, making negative choices fosters a lose-win scenario. We lose because we cause harm to certain others and ourselves. However, specific individuals win through our negative decisions because they gain the wisdom of how not to live.

Just as we are placed in environments with others who need to learn lessons from us, we are placed in environments with others who will fulfill our learning needs. We may also be placed in environments where we teach ourselves through our own positive and negative examples. This is a form of trial and error that we employ to learn what types of choices do or do not align with our current and/or desired lifestyles. When we need to learn lessons, we will encounter the appropriate circumstances that will cultivate the necessary learning. To maximize the value of the lesson, however, we must pay close attention to the lesson to be learned and absorb the knowledge and wisdom that accompany the moment.

Much education exists without intentions of the teacher to teach or the student to learn. We must, consequently, make a conscious effort to be aware of the infinite lessons around us and teach others through our positive, rather than negative, ways. Adopting a lifestyle of healthy choices will help us ensure that we are displaying the right example during unsuspected educational opportunities. We will inevitably be placed in environments where we do not intend to teach so we need to choose whether we want to be placed in environments in which we teach through negative example or environments in which we teach through positive example. Would we prefer to inflict harm upon others and ourselves, and teach to others through our negative ways; or would we prefer to bestow goodness upon others and ourselves through our positive ways?

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