Impartation

 I have been fascinated by the study of ethics as a result of wanting to be a good and decent person. I want to avoid the pitfalls of those around me and make a safe environment for those I care for. Groups were eager to invite me in so they could improve me (for a fee of course). But I found that those who associate good behavior with belonging to a group were more obstinate than the people outside. It didn't make sense until I stood back and assessed what was going on. Really, what good does it do to forgive when you are a spiteful person? Does belonging to a political group or church solve bad character? Those who base their confidence in relationships with others seem to be the most vulnerable to losing good character. It doesn't matter if it is a Star, a Minister or a politician, no one should depend on them because they are popular; even if they claim to care about the environment, have a mandate from God or care about the poor. Most times the contrary is true. The only people we can really know are those close to us and the only one we can change is ourselves. I am not saying we should be anti-leadership, but the responsibility for improving our lives is ours alone. Character is an important foundation for everything we do.  It can’t be imparted by a prayer or a cause; it is formed in our hearts by paying attention how we treat first ourselves and then others. This is a matter of the heart and not a matter of learning creeds or even scriptures. All the law is summed up in this, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”