Do What’s Right
How often have you heard the phrase, “Do what’s right” and dismissed it as an overused platitude? In my life, I’ve learned to treat my wife, my family, my employees, my customers, and anyone I encounter with the same degree of outstanding character. Doing so has made all the difference.
Countless individuals have phrases, mantras, or some cutesy little phrase cut out on a plank of wood they found in a souvenir shop they repeat to themselves to guide them through their life. What you do defines you far more than your hash-tags, your brand name items, or your car. You can have nothing left on this planet worth anything, but if you still have your character, you’ve got more than most people. Character is everything and it starts by doing what is right. Now, doing what’s right isn’t always easy. It takes work, it takes patience, and it takes sacrifice. In a world where “me” is the first thing on everyone’s mind, putting aside petty differences, some hurt feelings, or actually applying yourself for the sake of another—even when it isn’t necessarily what you want to do—often isn’t the most expeditious choice. It all boils down to the small things, from returning mistaken change to a worn-out cashier, or letting over a haggard mom in a dusty suburban who’s had her blinker on for the last three minutes, our choices to put ourselves second for the sake of other’s becomes synonymous with our character identity- down to our social genetics.
Each day we’re given the option of how we choose to interact with other people, from loved ones to complete strangers, to business partners and employees. We don’t have much time here on this earth, and no matter what you believe, it’s not fair to say that we were put here to serve ourselves. I have held tight to this philosophy throughout my whole life, and the more I learned and grew, the stronger my faith in my roots. The Bible gives strong instruction on how you should treat your neighbor and a stranger—with love, no matter who they are. Christians may have been given a bad rap by whatever media elects to cover them, but ultimately, when we get down to the meat and potatoes, we’re called to love our fellow man, even if we don’t agree with how they live their lives. It’s not our call to judge, it’s our initiative to love. Now, some people may not agree with my Biblical philosophies, and that’s okay—that’s their prerogative, I’ll love you anyway, but I believe that I answer to a higher, sovereign power—the God.
I’ve built trusses almost my entire life, and trusses are important. They’re part of the structural integrity that makes up a house. Character is a lot like that; it’s a series of building blocks we use to create our metaphorical home and ourselves. A house divided cannot stand, but a house that was built on a solid foundation with proper components will last a lifetime—and we’re not here all that long. A criminal makes his choice, as does the man who opens the door for everyone walking by; it’s not about what’s easy, it’s about doing what’s right. You can apply this mentality to any thing, anywhere, any time. Being true to yourself and others will carry you farther in life than duplicity and selfish ambition, at least that is what I believe. I don’t always get it right—but I never stop making the effort. As I have always told my children, strive to be the best you can be at whatever it is you dream of.
