If you could live forever would you really want to? My first thought is where do I sign ... everlasting youth with massive wealth and power sounds pretty nice, but after further consideration spending eternity on earth would be tantamount to being condemned to hell.
Don't get me wrong, I would never grow tired of the breathtaking beauty and natural wonders of our tiny planet, it's the people who would do me in!
Just imagine being forced to deal with generation after generation of those who continually get it wrong, despite the fact that you've worked feverishly to help get it right. If you need an example, and being how we're so close to Christmas, let's be reminded of the greatest story ever told. Those ancient days, more than two thousand years ago, when the one person who was believed by many to be the Son of God roamed the planet.
It had been written that Jesus, accompanied by a growing team of disciples, journeyed across the desert from Galilee to Jerusalem. During this three-year odyssey, Jesus's disciples witnessed every kind act, heard every heartfelt speech and possibly even observed a few miracles like ... walking on water, healing the blind, raising the dead and maybe more.
Unlike most of us, Jesus lived those days with pure love and the ultimate aim of saving people. Despite this, when Jesus and friends finally arrived to Jerusalem, all of the holy work that was endured everyday for the past three years was not enough to stop disciple Judas from betraying him for 30 pieces of silver, nor did it stop Peter, the most loyal apostle of all, from denying Jesus three times shortly after his capture.
If the Son of God can't even keep a dozen loyal followers, what makes you think your boss or anyone else can?
The fact that Judas could betray Jesus and hand him over to face his demise for 30 silver pieces continues to baffle me. To help Generation Y'ers understand the magnitude of the heinous act, realize that Jesus's disciples were real followers unlike those on Twitter and what Judas did is much worse than unfriending Lady Gaga on Facebook in exchange for Bitcoins.
The worst part of the story, the part where I truly lose all faith in humanity, is when Pontius Pilate gives Jesus the chance to walk free from charges of blasphemy, a crime for admitting to be the Son of God, but the crowd of people insists that Jesus be crucified. Seriously, how could the people have voted to release a convicted murderer instead of a person who offered hope and love to every living soul?
The fact that a crowd could rule in favor of capital punishment for someone as kindhearted as Jesus reeks of foul play to me. Especially since there's no denying how the Roman and Jewish authorities were both threatened by Jesus's popularity and uprising. It's not a huge stretch to believe that the crowd's most vocal influencers were cronies under the control of such authorities. Despite them, there were still a handful with the courage to shout free Jesus. In the workplace, I have witnessed similar people who oppose such forces quickly become ostracized; which caused social death sentences that killed careers.
Religion, politics, corporations and most other institutions are not the problem, it's the people seeking ultimate control of each entity who are.
Okay, so maybe the people back then weren't as bright as they are today, and maybe we could chalk the Jesus betrayal and crucifixion off as a grave mistake. Heck, even Noah was given a Mulligan.
It's now more than two millennia later, so surely we must have learned something, right? Apparently not. At least not before letting the pendulum swing in the opposite direction.
In 1697, Thomas Aikenhead, a 20 year-old Scottish student, was the last known person hanged for the act of blasphemy. Thomas wasn't put to death for claiming to be the next Son of God, instead, he was prosecuted for denying the veracity of the Old Testament and the legitimacy of Christ's miracles. How's that for ironic? No, not bearing the last name of Aikenhead (achin' head) with the fact Thomas was hanged. I'm speaking of murdering to defend Jesus's credibility, as if that's an act the Son of God would ever condone. Couldn't the story that Jesus mended the detached ear of one who arrested him be evidence enough? Aikenhead was a first-offender and the Church of Scotland decided to make an example of him as opposed to intercede on his behalf. Another failed decision by a group of powerful people.
The fact that there has been more bloodshed in the name of religion than all other causes combined doesn't sit very well with me. From the barbaric Roman Crusades of the Late Middle Ages, to the cowardly terrorist attacks and beheadings of innocent people by ISIS that floods our news today, torturing and killing in the name of any compassionate and just God has proved to be humankind's greatest flaw.
When the torments of history repeats itself, it's often attributed to the many simpletons who willingly make the same mistakes.
It doesn't take a fancy degree to recognize the road to significant wealth and power is often lined with lies and corruption. However, it does take something much greater to make it today with your soul intact, integrity. History demonstrates that many of those in power lack ethics and surround themselves by individuals cut from a similar cloth; which makes it nearly impossible for anyone with conflicting views or beliefs to thrive.
As one who fully appreciates the act and talent of true leadership, I am appalled by the yes man. In fact, I'd rather surround myself by whistleblowers than sport a following of crony smoke-blowers.
It is the most insecure leaders who cannot handle constructive criticism or debate, nor rise to power on their own merit, who look to stack the deck. They'll appoint people to each position of authority for the peace of knowing the appointee will never weaken or express views contrary to her or him. So whether its Killing Jesus, passing a new healthcare law or cooking the books of a publicly traded company, the task will surely get done no matter how many phony stories need to be told.
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to keep his integrity.
The reality is we humans will never be provided with the option to dwell on this planet for eternity. We only have one chance to get it right, and with 7 Billion people walking the earth there are plenty of us who do. As a corporate rookie, you will surely reach that proverbial crossroads in your life where you are torn between good and evil. You may have followed a righteous path for many years before facing a temptation similar to what Apple executive Paul S Devine did when he decided to sell trade secrets to China.
Before you willingly sign over your integrity for the promise of wealth, power or fame, do not let history repeat itself and make the same mistake of so many others. Be reminded of Judas, who was immediately tormented by guilt and took his own life shortly after returning the money. Understand that one bad move has the power to erase a lifetime of accomplishments. Think twice before you destroy yourself, everything else that surrounds you, and your legacy.
You must be the change you wish to see in the world. - Mahatma Gandhi
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