The radio station, KLOVE, is usually my preferred radio station in the car. Since the beginning of the year, the morning hosts, Eric and Lisa, have been talking about choosing a word for the year. The idea is that the word will ultimately change your life because you become intentional about. After about two weeks, Eric finally decided on his word, which happened to be "deeper." At the time when I was last hearing the conversation, Lisa hadn't chosen one yet. But their conversation got me to thinking about a word that I would choose. Apparently, Eric and Lisa had refrained from choosing a word because they wanted to really mull over their option before choosing.
My word came to me instantly and without any hesitation. That word is "sincerity." As soon as I thought it, I knew it was the perfect word for the year.
For the past couple of years, I have been struggling with the concept of hypocrisy. No, not from me, but from other people. As I alluded before, I've been burned pretty badly by people that I thought I could trust. The result is that I am now cautious and critical of most people's motives, whether it's at church, work, or in the classroom. Not surprisingly, most people will tell you what they think you want to hear - not what is true. Rather than run the risk of causing conflict or discord, they will avoid the truth because it serves a selfish motive for them to do so; i.e, I don't want to lose you as a friend, or I want to get a good grade.
Therefore, I knew that the word, "sincerity," is the word because it will keep ME authentic and honest. No, I'm not a liar. Most people who know me will say that I'm pretty straightforward. I generally say what I think, and there usually isn't any candy-coating. But that's just basic honesty. I want to be sincere. . . .All. The. Time.
Sincerity is more than honesty. Yes, honesty is a part of it. If you ask my opinion, I want to sincerely tell you what I think. . .even when I know or think you will disagree with me. Sincerity means not being a bully about the truth but being firm in the truth.
Sincerity is also being purposeful. When I commit to an activity or relationship, it's the quality of being all-in. I will be sincere about wanting to be involved. Rather than feeling obligated, I will make a purposeful, conscious, and deliberate decision. Anything less than sincerity is a waste of time for both me and the other people involved.
Sincerity is also a gut-check with regard to the spirituality of the situation. For example, when I say to someone, "I'm praying for you," sincerity means that I will a) absolutely be praying for that person, and b) I will have his/her best interests at heart. There will be no sub-motivations or selfishness involved in saying that. It is making sure that my "yes" means yes, and my "no" means no - without guilt or selfishness.
Internal conflicts are caused when selfishness meets conscience. When I am insincere, I create a paradox with which my conscience must wrestle. If I live a life of sincerity, the internal conflicts go away. Perhaps, if I commit to this way of thinking and living, I will quit thinking the worst in everybody else?
Therefore, my word this year is "sincerity." If you want and need an honest, sincere voice, come see and challenge me to fulfill this focus. What's your word for the year?
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