"Go put your creed into your deed." That's a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Regardless of what he meant or was implying with his quote, it's still good advice. Most people look upon a creed as a system of religious belief. It doesn't have to be though. A creed can also be a statement of belief or principles. I like the second definition better...even if your creed IS based on religious principles! Too many people get bent out of shape by religious denominations. While I too have a religious denomination, I try not to judge people by theirs. I try to judge them by their actions. Many people go to church, yet you wouldn't be able to tell which one by their actions. I am a catholic. Yet I have had a divorce, used condoms and think it's okay to miss church every once in a while when I have something to do. In fact, I am certain that there are other aspects of my faith that I don't follow either. Even so, I believe I am a fervent follower of Jesus. To me, there is a difference between my faith and my church. My church is an organization that was set up to teach the lessons of Jesus. It has a power structure and strict rules to keep its followers in line. Oftentimes, the rules of the church nearly seem to fly in the face of what Jesus actually taught (to me anyway). Meanwhile, my faith is driven by the word of God and the actions of Jesus. Jesus preached love, humility and charity. In a sense, he professed personal responsibility for one's actions and that his father was a God of forgiveness. So how do we put our creed in our deeds? By making sure our actions follow our principles. For me, I try to treat others how I myself like to be treated. If I say I am going to be somewhere, I do my best to make sure I am there on time. If I offer to do a job, I try to do it to the best of my ability. I take responsibility for my actions, and I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt... at least initially. Finally, I try not to force my way or opinions onto others. While I offer advice, I try not to demand that it is followed to the letter...my way or the highway so to speak. I make the final decisions about things that impact my life, though, just as others make decisions regarding theirs. It is at the crossroads where my decisions meet theirs where the truly hard decisions need to be made. In regards to my daughters, I am responsible for their upbringing and I try to do what is best for them. Where one of their decisions is at odds with my own, I will make the final decision at this time in their lives, although I will allow them to try to sway me to their position through the use of logic. The years teach much that the days never knew. Until my daughters have enough experience to make wise decisions, I will make the final decisions on many matters to help them find the wisdom to make good decisions. When they are grown, they will understand and hopefully help their own children to make wise decisions. So what is your creed? Kindness or spitefulness. Truth or lies? Reality or fantasy? The creed you follow will inevitably have a major impact on the quality of your life. Sometimes the world will give you lemons. Will you have the wisdom to make lemonade? Or will you just suck on the sourness of the fruit? by following my principles, I will try to make lemonade every time!
2 Comments
Rhonda
9/26/2019 05:35:04 pm
Love it! A little book, Cheery Thoughts copyright 1911 given to me by my Grandma Margie when I was 10 yrs old. I live it. My source of peace and calm. Go put your creed into your deed, nor speak with double tongue.
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Wayne
9/28/2019 07:34:14 am
Thank you Rhonda for the input and the book tip. I often wondered if people read the older blog posts. I am glad to see that they do!
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