When you go to Sparta!

So here’s an oldie…..when you go to Sparta, do what Spartans do! But well many people like to go to Rome to do what Romans do not that I have a problem with them. I have always admired and appreciated other people’s cultures, beliefs and diversities. There is something to pick up from the weirdest of them and a good way to relate with the people. Also, no one will know that you are a visitor there so no curious concerns from Spartans. However, this does not mean that we become someone else because we are somewhere else. There are certain things that do not change or should not be changed by abroad.

I heard a story of an army soldier who went through a ruthless training from such a ruthless instructor. The training would become very hard and for one to make it they had to be in really good books with the instructors. So one time this soldier was sent to buy a cigar by one of the instructors and as you would have it what’s wrong with that, you are serving your instructor and actually it’s a favor for him to look your way and send you. He could return that favor with ‘passing you’; you are at his mercy you know! Luckily for this soldier, he was not going to disrespect his dignity by buying the cigar to show loyalty to the instructor. He boldly told him …I am saved sir, thus I will not buy you the cigar….Right! The instructor was taken aback but the soldier did not even blink. In short that is how he earned respect from the instructors for the remaining time of the training. It is normal, obvious   and required for a soldier to take and execute orders from his betters without questioning but this soldier stood firm by his principles. 

That is exactly what I am driving at thanks to the soldier. Having principles or being yourself is an honorable thing and surprisingly everyone have their own principles. These are usually imparted to us either by religion, the society we live in or the environment that we grow up in. They are usually geared towards peace, respect, sympathy, love and mostly fear of God. They are not well tested or developed though, until we leave the auspices of that environment that protected, honored and rewarded those values. When a child is growing up, it is usually protected by the parents, the church, the school and the society. Things however change for the good or for worse, when this child goes to college away from the parents, and the environment that protected and watched over them, where they are treated as adults and they have freedom to interact and relate with whoever they like. This is where their true colors are revealed. The principles they have carried through dictate who they interact with, where they go, how they do anything and even what they get from ‘abroad’.

While exposure and appreciating other people’s views and perspectives about life is good and healthy, it is wise to do it while still not hurting or sidelining your own values. If something does not compliment, educate, promote or establish your good values in Sparta, say no to it and hold your dignity. You may be loved or hated but you will earn respect and you will not have to walk in shame. That, right there, is a life well lived!No matter how much the Apostles in Antioch tried to live and appear like the Antiochas, their values and way of life betrayed them anyway as they were Christ-like. They were thus called Christians for the first time and they influenced and impacted Antioch with Christ! 

I am always encouraged by the story of Lot, living in Sodom and Gomorrah among evil, corrupt and treacherous men. Immorality had reached the high heavens and corruption was the way of life. The fear of God was a vocabulary and holiness was only spoken of in whispers!  Surely Lot did not have to be holy and pious before God in those cities, after all that is what everybody else did! But his fear for God, his value system, his understanding of life could not allow him to become a Sodomite, lose his dignity and sin against his God! His environment did not change him it strengthened his values!

I usually respect people who are appointed to certain offices and they resign citing they do not want to be part of corruption cartels. They sacrifice high flying jobs and a good standing in the society to save that which cannot be bought by money; dignity! 

What is your dignity? And how do you protect it? How easily can it be twisted? The world is in dire need of men and women of principle! Can the world count on you?