Do you want to BE right or do we want to DO right?

by logansrun 11 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  logansrun

  I'm not a Christian. All the same, I do believe there are some very good Biblical principles to live by. Here's a good one:

  "All things are lawful, but not all things are advantageous."

  Beautiful. Just because we have the "legal" right to do something or say something does not mean that it is the appropriate thing to do. We have a lot of freedom in the world today, and as ex-JWs we have the freedom to do what we feel is best without a religion dictating our very thoughts. How do we use that freedom?

  Sometimes I think now is the time when people's colors really shine through. Now as ex-JWs we are freed from the Society, and for some God, watching our every move ready to strike us down. What do we do now? Collapse under the weight of our own desires and selfishness? Kow-tow to pride and the need to prove our superiority over others? What?

  I'm going to try and take a break from much that goes on in this parallel universe known as the internet. Do some self-reflecting. Volunteer for some charity. Do good. Maybe even find that baby that came with the bathwater.

  Bradley....in a poetic, introspective mood. Be well all.
• 

  stillajwexelder

  I would prefer to do right rather than be right -- but the egoist in me also wants to be right - I sued to love winning arguments -- I am trying to change
• 

  Euphemism

  Why can't I be both? I want to be both! Waaah!

  Seriously, I'm glad to hear you're trying different things, Bradley. I hope you can find the balance you're looking for.
• 

  Phantom Stranger

  It's easy to feel a need to be right, or in control, if bad things happened to you when you were not in control of the situation. THis need can easily prevent actions of inclusion, of tolerance and acceptance, and of empathy.

  It's easy to feel a need to not be wrong, if making a mistake once had heavy consequences. This can easily lead to exterme risk aversion, a reticence to make decisions, and missing out on spontanaeity and fun.

  Both of these needs result in artifically limiting how effective we can be. What's even worse is if we begin a career of serving these needs, instead of taking bold steps towards the future.

  Many, many XJWs have said that leaving the WTS was like a new lease on life. Great! What will you do with it?
• 

  willyloman

  Brad: You brought a lot to the party. Thanks for your contributions to this floating encounter group. You helped more than you know. Cheers!
• 

  gumby

  Good topic and points bradley.

  I too like the scripture you quoted.

  A person who is not a christian/bible believer, might reason that all in life is fair game. They might reason that it has only been MAN that has put lables on things that are right and wrong/evil and rightous.

  I believe there are things in life, that will not work without consequences, that man has already figured out by trial and error down through time, and has incorporated this in religion and culture. They have defined these learning's in such ways as...

  Love is a good thing. It works.

  Kindness and empathy and sympathy.......works.

  Helping others.....works.

  They all work because they cause happiness in your life and the person you expressed it to.

  I think most people know how to do all these things.......it's our society that has confused these things.

  This thing you are pursuing may not answer lifes more serious questions......but you can be happier at least while your lost in these areas.

  Gumby

  Gumby
• 

  franklin J

  I tend to agree with Euphamism,

  why can we not be right and do right. The fact that we are no longer labeled as Jehovahs Witnesses, does not mean that we are without the ability to think and reason for ourselves; make our own decisions and be progressive, caring individuals.
• 

  SLOAN

  Good point Frankie!! "AMEN"
  If I HAD to make a choice it would be to DO right.
• 

  A Paduan

  When you do right, you are right

  biblically also - when you do what is right regardless of self-consequences, inevitably you'll find out that you were right - and so leads faith
• 

  Oxnard Hamster

  I really appreciate the topic title. I think some people are so obsessed with the pride of being right, that they fail to realize they could make things better by simply doing the right thing. As the say, actions speak louder than words.