Is integrity a priority?

Tue, Aug 14, 2012

Editor: “The fact that man knows right from wrong proves his intellectual superiority to the other creatures; but the fact that he can do wrong proves his moral inferiority to any creatures that cannot.” – Mark Twain{{more}}

Many seem to perceive the world as rapidly changing and advancing in many areas of technology and information. On the contrary, others view it as a modern day Babylonian society with no hope of ever holding its head above water.

Presently, there are the escalating reports circulating internationally of economic downturn, murder charges, victims of violence, drugs, teenage pregnancy, crises caused by adultery, and the list of atrocious situations can continue. Much too often, we are plagued with the reality of these inopportune events, trying to come to grips with facing such situations that we never thought would ever come knocking at our door.

The consequences of such actions are well known and preached of daily, to no avail. One would think that by now, being such a developed species as we like to consider ourselves, that once we make a mistake, we will somehow learn. However, the harsh reality is quite the opposite. Therefore, why waste the time to speak of issues that are well known? How can the input of one person make any difference to what millions have been trying to accomplish?

Firstly, the blatant disregard for anything positive should be addressed. The term “social issue” is nothing new to the young or old. Children are expected to be taught of the associated dangers they may fall prey to as soon as they can comprehend and understand the world around them. Presumably, parents play their part in teaching their children right from wrong. However, when these children are old enough to choose their peers and decide how to live their life, they forget the early upbringing and many unfortunately play with fire and get burnt. On the other hand, quite a number heed these teachings and continue along the straight and narrow path. Therefore, what went wrong?

Attention should be paid to the character of the young individual. By the time one has reached adolescence he or she is inquisitive, vigorously energetic and has a mind of his/her own. At this stage, the decisions made will strongly affect their future and influence their character. Thus, it pains the heart of our nation when they make bad choices and parents are left to bear the brunt of the burden, while society stereotypes them as worthless, role models, incapable of providing their children with moral upbringing. While few may plead guilty to this charge, it is wrong to blame parents entirely for the actions of their children.

As a country based upon Christian principles, children are taught to fear God and keep his commandments early in life. Taking them to church becomes an integral part of building their relationship with God. The responsibility is then placed on church leaders, parents, policy makers and members of the community to work hand in hand to properly bring up the youth. If those around exhibit immoral examples, only serving God in church, these children are well on their way to leading the same lifestyle. The ‘one-day Christian’ mentality should be removed. The peers young people choose may sometimes not be representative of who they truly are, but once they have fallen into a clique, their identity changes completely.

The old saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ still remains vibrant today, as we should train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Elizabeth Bullock