As we attain more success and our worth or careers advancing, we often and wrongly think highly of our themselves, believing we are strong and can almost overcome many challenges. Our sensitivity to risk diminishes and we become more daring believing we are strong enough to overcome many temptations. We forget that no one is stronger than evil whose force is stronger than the pull of gravity. How many wealthy individuals have been caught stealing items they can easily afford, yet they could not shake off the urge to steal and gave in to temptation? That is what happens when tottering closer to wrongfulness, thinking you are different and strong enough to overcome any temptation. Well, you are wrong! The best form of defence against temptation is not by attacking or fraternising with but fleeing from it. By Nimroth Gwetsa, 30 December 2022.
Bad things happen to everyone – rich or poor, educated or illiterate, young or old, believer or unbeliever. No one is immune to experiencing bad things. But some bad things are self-inflicted because one could not resist the urge to do wrong things. We have the power to overcome many challenges but are easily deceived to thinking we can overcome challenges. In truth, no one can ever overcome evil by own power and means. I am not talking about the kind of temptation that when given into, one has little to lose. I am referring to a situation where one has the most to lose if held accountable for the wrong committed. That is the kind of temptation I am advising that we flee from, rather than bravely fraternise with or confront it. Many brave souls did not return unscathed from it. You too would not stand a chance to easily overcome it. Best you do not try.
Many employees waste their chances of remaining employed by cutting corners; stealing employers’ time or resources; hiding and only becoming visible when the employer is around; taking or asking for bribes; being negligent; treating customers contemptuously; impugning the employer’s reputation or never missing the opportunity to (publicly) disparage their jobs. Again, when we have everything to lose, that is when temptation is at its peak and we are deceived to trivialise it and give in to it. When such strong feelings arise, we are better off running away from situations invoking such feelings. History is littered with many fallen heroes who thought they were different.
And if somehow, out of weakness, we gave in to temptation, we should try to immediately recognise our wrong behavior and turn from it without delay. If need be, we may need to make reparations for the wrong committed to show remorse, not for having been caught or fearing facing the consequences of wrongful actions, but for wrongfulness of the deed committed despite its consequences. Remorse from the wrongfulness of the deed is far more acceptable than one arising from the fear of facing consequences of the wrongful deed. The latter is more about regretting than being remorseful about wrongfulness. Furthermore, to be forgiven, one should not habitually commit wrongfulness but be renowned for caring about the welfare of others.
Though we may do wrong and not immediately face the consequences of such wrongdoing, we should not think we have “gotten away” with it. We should treat the long period of seeing no consequences “occurring” as the opportunity life has given us of making “right from wrong” and turning away from wrongfulness. In the same way we may not see success overnight, yet we continue working smart and hard to attain it until we do, consequences of wrong deeds do not often occur overnight. They too often occur when least expected. Such consequences may not affect us directly, but other things or people we care the most about. In the same way the truth always coming out, good will always come in the same way no one can ever “get away” with wrongfulness!
Likewise, business owners should not employ exploitative or deceptive tactics in their business practices or administration. We should strive to always do the right things, and be right with everyone, whether or not we are seen. When having nothing to lose, nothing worthy happens anyway and when temptation is strong, just know that you have the most to lose. Start fleeing then.
Having and wielding too much power is also dangerous. That is when the feeling of invincibility, arrogance and pride heighten. Avoid surrounding yourself with too many voices, especially those “advising” you against humility but urging or encouraging you to exert your power. A leader should be decisive and exercise their authority, but such actions should be done appropriately and in the right situations. Nevertheless, sometimes one should just go with one’s conviction and not feelings as conviction is often driven by principle than a feeling based on emotions.
Thus, to live joyfully, one should avoid tottering closer to wrongfulness but be firmly embedded in doing and striving for good always. That is how we could enjoy success sustainably and avoid becoming casualties of ill-advised decisions. All the best for the New Year!
