A CHOICE EFFORT

Are we good, honorable people? Are we nice? Or are we bad and mean spirited? The answers to these questions are quite simply wrapped up in the choices we make. If we see someone in distress, do we choose to help? Do we selfishly exploit opportunities like when someone gives us too much change? If every choice we make involves us, and how we benefit, then it’s probably safe to say we are egocentric, and probably not the nicest people around. On the other hand, if our choices are compassionate and take others into consideration, then we are likely on the path toward being good and honorable people.

Several years ago, I was given the advice, “work on your powers of discrimination.” Personally, I found this concept fascinating.

TO DISCRIMINATE: The power of making fine distinctions; discriminating judgment: She chose the colors with great discrimination.

The more discriminating we are, the more protected we become against people who would do us wrong. It is those finer distinctions mentioned above that we often overlook. If dishonest people attempt to lie to us and we are discriminating, we will see through to the truth. In fact, the more discriminating we are, the easier we will find it to sort through the riffraff of people who might lie to us anyway.

As we travel through life, we will constantly be bombarded with situations and choices that need to be made. With a strong power of discrimination, we will see more clearly the array of choices that are presented to us. Some choices will be simple like Coke or Pepsi. Others will be more complex like “Do I befriend or do business with this person, who may or may not be dishonest?” Developing the power to make those fine distinctions will always be helpful when the more complex choices arise. The stronger our powers of discrimination, the more able we will be to properly navigate through life’s storms.

When choices become difficult, take time to consider the options. Consider who will benefit from your choice, or will there be people who suffer from your decisions? Whatever you do, choose carefully for those around you will judge your character based solely upon your actions.