We prefer to think that our misguidance affects no one but ourselves, yet that is simply not true. What we do impacts others whether we know it, like it, or not.
People observe what we do, and yet who of us is without error? We may try to excuse ourselves by claiming that most of our straying from the path to pure love is trivial, hardly a blip on the screen. We tell ourselves such small indiscretions will not be noticed by others, let alone be damaging to them. But let us consider how some of our common misguided actions can lead others down a wrong path.
- Our lack of forgiveness toward someone could cause a close friend or family member to take up our cause and feel resentful as well.
- Anger that flares up in us at regular intervals may be copied by children.
- Lies we tell to get out of tight situations send a message, especially to children, that truth is optional.
- Conversations rife with gossip can severely damage the reputations of other people and cause listeners to further abuse in transgression by spreading the rumors.
We should consider the consequences of our actions and attitudes and turn to God in confession and repentance. If we do not confess within ourselves that we are giving in to the ego at specific stages, then we will never perform in standing up to this selfish takeover. When we correct ourselves by suppressing the ego, God will give us the grace and strength to walk on the path toward pure love and influence others to do the same.
