Consistency in Character
July 26, 2011It is important to have Consistency of Character in acting.
But more so, it is important to have Consistency in Character in real life.
Both would lend you Credibility and Respect.
Our worldly education has probably conditioned us to vary our speech, action, and treatment of others dependent on or according to the social position, status, and wealth of the person, or how advantageous the person is to us, but “just because it is doesn’t mean it should be”. There are two common Chinese expressions: “Pray to who’s above and step on those below”; and “See a ghost, speak its language; see a man, speak his language”. Some would say or see it as adaptability and survival; I say it’s simply flawed and Inconsistency in Character.
You do not say one thing and do another; you do not do one thing and say another. You do not speak sweetly, do more, or act better just because the person is more helpful or useful to you but because you want to. That’s Consistency in Character for you. How could inconsistency in character be attributed as a strength in the form of adaptability and survival skill? How could an essential trait like consistency in character be blurred, overlooked and undermined through time and in our society today? That’s something I find hard to understand or accept. Easier said than done perhaps, but Consistency in Character is definitely more admirable and worthy of respect, coated in gold.
Some of our worldly ideas and concepts, those imparted to us, those we adhere to as truth and fact, those we don’t even need to think about, may be essentially flawed and susceptible. This is just one of them, in serious need of some Deconstruction, and this deconstruction begins and takes place in your Consciousness.
for sharing:
Romans 2:11
For God does not show favoritism.
Matthew 7:12
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you
You have understanding about how the world function. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I certainly hope that you are doing this for the sake of making a difference in society, especially in Singapore and not contradict your passage. =)
Sometimes I really want to avoid such people as much as possible, not because I am scared of them, it’s simply having more happiness and peace in my life. Had enough of all these, and I just don’t enjoy their company. In this “dog-eat-dog” world with hypocrisy, violence, back-stabbing and many other malevolent behavior that makes people ugly. I definitely dislike discord and disharmony because negative energy is going to affect yourself and the people around you. It only ultimately leads to more pain. It also stems down on what values one have, that shapes a person’s character. We have a choice to do right, or wrong and to choose to believe certain teachings. I believe that in everyone, there’s light and darkness, it really depends on how much righteousness and unrighteousness one has, not exactly innate, it’s what one would adopt.
Some people put on a “mask” so that they become “good” in other people’s eyes for their own advantage and other selfish reasons. “Pray to who’s above and step on those below”; and “See a ghost, speak its language; see a man, speak his language”.
I think those people who follow these verses either do not know God, or choose to disobey. Why so? That’s stemming down on the 7 deadly sins, pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed, sloth refer to (http://www.deadlysins.com/sins/index.htm) and the fact that the world prides materialism, power, status, money, social status.
And so, there’s nothing much one can do, except to choose to follow God, or follow men.
Something for you to think about: What God said:
Jesus said, “You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, Resist not him that is evil, but whosoever shall smite you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
And if any one will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, let him have your cloak also.
And whosoever shall compel you to go one mile, go with him two.
Give to him that asks of you, and from him that would borrow from you, turn not away. You have heard that it has been said, You shall love your neighbour, and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless those that curse you, do good to those that hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you, and persecute you.
That you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Therefore you must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. [Matthew 5:38-48]
“Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return.” [Luke 6:35]
For those who are eager to know about truths and more thought provoking quotes. There are many other truths at Online bible: http://bible.cc/1_john/2-15.htm
=)
Dear,
another source that can help with dissolving issues in your conscience.
And also to those of you who love to know about truths and to differentiate right and wrong. =)
http://www.ourdailyjourney.org
well said, im one of those tat betray my conscience everyting, i speak differntly who i meet. im a betrayer hahaha…but life…hv to protect myself..im weak..
I always believe that we shld speak from our heart.
A realistic character should be consistent, isn’t it? =)
Hope u are doing fine! <3 u!
I like this “You do not speak sweetly, do more, or act better just because the person is more helpful or useful to you but because you want to.” But frankly, im more submissive to the ppl who who matters alot to me.
I try to treat everyone equally, but how often, others will treat us the way we treat em? In a positive way i mean.
I hate it when i treat em wif respect and tries to be nice in every way, but at e end of e day, im labelled as ‘fake’.
Elvin, hope you are coping well and happier each day =) Hope to see U soon ;p Miss ya
“Easier said than done perhaps, but Consistency in Character is definitely more admirable and worthy of respect, coated in gold.” Well said! And I totally agree with you! :)
I personally admire & respect those people with consistency in their character. And I strongly believe that we will eventually reap what we sow.
Agree with Audrey.we shld always speak from the bottom of our hearts:) hope u r doing fine there at Muar:) miss u! :)
In order for us to have a ‘character’, we should exhibit a pattern and behavior consistent to that character. Say the characteristics of ‘loyalty’ (which is more of a virtue), one must be able to behave in a manner consistent to the label ‘loyalty’. but do you?
Consistency in character is essentially flawed, because we are taking about intangible values. And such values are inherently inconsistent. We can argue till we turn blue the characteristics of a ‘loyal’ person and we will realise that he/she has delve in ‘betrayal’ before, lied to someone, did ‘bad’ things.
We as a person, has character, but we cannot be arrested by that character, which could majorly be socially constructed. So if ‘Elvin Ng’ is of such and such a character, can he do something else? can he BE someone else? If everyone wants a consistency on character, how do we be the ‘bad’ guy, in order to discipline our kids? or be the ‘good’ guy and reward their good deeds?
Life, as such is not a simple matter of consistency. But being disciplined, is another matter altogether.
ya, how many can actually do that? being consistent and true to themselves n to others?? how many?!! i myself admire ppl who can do that cos i myself is one. i strongly insist to be true and real. but u shld know wat kinda world we are living in! that goes back to ur previous entry, we do not live in our own world!! thats y we see those kinda of ppl! this is also y i hope for the kinda life that i said earlier, that is to stay away from all the negative and hypocrites fake ppl! u know u cant change them, so u can only avoid them!
same goes to love. for bgr, if theres no true love,wats the pt of gettin into a relationship??! only for the moment of so call happiness or the enjoyment u get from it?? those are the SURFACE! i dont buy that at all. its not from deep in the heart! its not real! its not true! thats y true love is so precious! its not something u can buy with money! how many actually have it??! n how many actually can give it??! its has gotta be mutual!!
btw Elvin, i feel wat u feel. i fully understand that kinda feelings. but cos we r living in a world with all kinda ppl, wat we can do is to be positive n think of the bright side of life, try not to care so much abt wat others think of us, cos we only get ourselves miserable. but of cos i know its easier said than done! but wat to do! we r humans! there r many things in life, its not within our control, now what i have learnt n still learning, is to PRAY! hope everythings will be good soon! btw u earn my respect if u firmly stick to being true n consistent without betraying ur conscience! its really hard to find such ppl alr, though im one. but dont worry, as long as we r true n living upright n clear conscience, we will be blessed! jus stick to wat u think is rite ok!
God bless us! thanks!
To Huiyun, similar sentiments I have. I just wish that people will be less judgmental and more accepting and less cynical.
Don’t be disheartened.
God will give to each person according to what he has done (he will judge everyone according to his works.) [Romans 2:6]
http://bible.cc/romans/2-6.htm
=)
Which also brings to mind what Jesus said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. [Matthew 7:1-2]
God’s wrath against mankind. Romans 1:18-32
God’s Righteous Judgment. Romans 2:1-16
P.S: Ignorance is not bliss.
You will learn more about people over time, I think we can choose to be with people whom we know are consistent in who they are, in what they do. Because in the end, these are the people in whom we can trust our lives with.
Human beings are selfish. In these cruel society, everyone wants to be number one, wants to get what others are getting and overwrite them. Often we want to treat people sincerely and truthfully but in many circumstance it leads to pretentious and arrogant.
But no matter how’s the society like, we will still have someone that worth us to be sincere with. Consistency in character doesn’t apply to everyone we know as not everyone will treat you sincerely, some are pretentious.
As wat u have said in your previous entry, be in your own world. In this pretentious society, with so many ‘arrowing’ and ‘backstabing’ around, being in your own world is essential. But how long can we stay inside there?
真善美
Absolutely!
Well Said Elvin.
Some people really doesn”t fit to be human,by the way they say and do.They doesn”t know what is wrong or right,even if they know,they will purposely act don”t know and just betray or use others to let themselves feel more happy.The way of their doing shows that their conscience had been bitten by dog.
The world is changing but that doesnt”t mean you have to change,just be yourself and do the right thing.
Consistency in character is definitely more admirable and more worthy of respect,coated in gold.A good person won”t even think about being bad to get the things they want,instead they will follow their heart with clear conscience and always do the right things.
Everything you does takes place in your consciousness,so never betrays others or use cruel and evil ways to get it because the truths and facts will eventually be out in the end.Have you heard of saying:
“Heaven is watching everything you does”.
People who are fake,betrays and uses others,and still think they are right,well I only can say stay far away from these people,even if they are helpful to you,i still say the same thing,because a leopard never changes its spots.
Real Intergrity is doing the right thing,Keep it Real…
I don”t understand why these people still exist…
I needed this. Thanks. (“: Love reading your blog!
Well said,Elvin
I love tis post… Consistency In Character…
{There are two common Chinese expressions: “Pray to who’s above and step on those below”; and “See a ghost, speak its language; see a man, speak his language”. Some would say or see it as adaptability and survival; I say it’s simply flawed and Inconsistency in Character. }
This paragraph sounds very similiar….
This is what my dad, and sis always told me, when life seems down, and get stab ad hurt by others, they put this sentence on to them, and me.
{ You do not say one thing and do another; you do not do one thing and say another. You do not speak sweetly, do more, or act better just because the person is more helpful or useful to you but because you want to. }
I agree so much with this, Elvin.
I always thought in this society, everybody’s thinking is the same,
though I never want to accept .
I feel no matter what, just be true and yourself.
like what you mention:
a well said entry.
Impressed.