Would you rather be right or be happy?

There is a time for initiative and a time for rest. There is a time to act and a time to wait. There is a time to lead and a time to follow. There is a time to cooperate and go along, and a time to take a stand and resist.

Making decisions about how to act, when to act, how much to act are based on perception, empathy, judgement, and resources. Overall, good functioning requires awareness of self and others, and alignment between one's own will and the dictates of the external situation. This sensitivity and consciousness is exquisite, creative, and very satisfying.

There will be those who deceive you, attack you, betray you, sometimes while saying nice things and making promises of truth, faithfulness, and love. Stay focused nonetheless on what is important. Stay true to yourself, and be kind to others no matter how they treat you because it is with yourself that you must live for eternity.

Mark 13: 5- 13
5Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 6Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will deceive many. 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.

9"You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. 10And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. 11Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

12"Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 13All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Bill Moyers video commentary on Rev. Jermiah Wright. Video lasts about 6 1/2 minutes.



Editor's note:

This article first appeared on the Chalicefire blog on 05/06/08. In reviewing it, I am reminded of how people are afraid of love. Jesus demonstrated love and they killed him as they did Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, Bobby Kennedy, Malcom X. As it says in A Course In Miracles, "Would you rather be right or happy?" Most of us, sadly, would rather be right. Our egos demand it.