We all have different priorities regarding what’s important to us. And certainly, there’s no expectation for everyone to comply to our own personal standards. But it seems only right to still be consistent – not holding others to a standard we don’t also hold for ourselves.
Of course, we’re free to make our own choices and hold ourselves to whatever standards we believe are right for our life.
For example, we’re free to wake up at the crack of dawn every morning. And it hurts no one to hold ourselves to this commitment.
At the same time, we recognize this is our personal choice and we don’t look down on those who choose to sleep in.
We’ve each made our personal decisions regarding when we wake up. And it’s up to each to hold to his own integrity.
But we become inconsistent when we hold others to a standard we don’t follow ourselves. For instance, telling others they should get up and enjoy the first morning light when we ourselves consistently sleep in.
To be sure, there’s nothing wrong with either option. But it is wrong to expect something of someone else when we are not willing to do the same.
And this doesn’t mean we have to be perfect in doing it. But we are committed to moving toward the same standard.
And there might even be times in which reasonable differences exist. Being consistent doesn’t mean we have to go to bed at the same time as our kids.
But when differences are present, they’re relevant differences based on the issue at hand. Otherwise, all things being equal, the same standard applies to all.
In the end, we not only compromise our own integrity, but we also perpetuate injustice in the world when we don’t apply our standards consistently.
Be consistent. Hold yourself to the same standard you expect of others.
Photo by Oliver Buchmannon Unsplash
