Tuesday, May 13, 2008

A Few Quotes to Ponder


"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. To be your own man is hard business. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself."


—Rudyard Kipling

In our society we often see this idea promoted at certain levels, suggesting that each one should 'be your own man' and yet it is denied the individual at other times in promotion of 'tolerance'. On the one hand, programing the youth to be accepting of all things, even the intolerable, and on the other hand, forcing all to conform in thought and manner to that which is deemed politically correct.

Being a Christian, I add the following quote:
"The most important idea I ever thought,was the day I realized, that I am personally and individually accountable to God for how I lived."

-Daniel Webster

As Christians, we not only must, at times, abstain from that which society is promoting, not just of our own volition, but because we answer to a Higher One. This will in no way take from our individuality or weaken our convictions. It will make us more resolved to stand against those who would ridicule us when we refuse to be party to their ways. It is what will force us to maintain our principles when times are difficult.

The Bible warns us that the heart is wicked and deceitful above all things and so we can not rely only upon the arm of flesh but must have the knowledge and faith that a personal God will hold us accountable for each and every action we commit while walking on this earth. Only in this manner will the Christian be able to live a morally upright life, separated from sin, without being judgmental or lacking compassion upon others.

This is what will provide true strength of character. Character others will observe and be drawn to, seeing it as genuine. Kipling's "responsibility of owning yourself" paired with the knowledge of being "personally and individually accountable to God."

14 comments:

AmberTheBlog.com said...

Amen! Great quotes you dug up.

Rita Loca said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Thursday's Child said...

Great post! I wish I'd written that. LOL

Deborah said...

Very well put. I appreciate you sharing Rudyard Kipling's comment - so true!

God bless,
Deborah

Becky said...

Amen! Well said!

Anonymous said...

The knowlege of Chist and His soereignty in your life shapes wo you are, desire to be for Him and what you do!!

Only through Him can one attain carachter noteworthy of being called His child. However, without this relationship, life is void of all potential!!

Brenda said...

Its a balancing act. We live in community but are accountable alone before God. Its a good reminder to not let the "tribe" or community take over. thanks.

Susan said...

We are totally accountable to Him and totally dependent upon Him and totally loved by Him. What a blessing.
Susan

Anonymous said...

I just try to chug along, going my own way, and not doing anything I'd be embarrassed or ashamed of if other people found out about it.

The Local Malcontent said...

Thanks alot for reminding everyone of Kipling's stupendous quote!

D. Webster's quote herein, inspired me today, so thanks to you, JMom!
When do you touch down 'home' again?

Liz said...

Off topic:

Rita dear, for a school paper my son needs info about Islam. I found only two posts here (looking for label).

But I do remember something you wrote that was so much better... if you find it, please tell the link.

Thanks :-)

Harry said...

I had my class read and write about Kipling's poem, IF. Even though he's been condemned by the multiculturalists, he's got a lot worth saying.

TO BECOME said...

I loved all the quotes from such great people in one way or another. connie from Texas

Unknown said...

Great post. I see you're getting plenty of blog time in while you're away. More than me obviously!