Chloe Oliver of Foxworth writes a weekly community column for the Marion County Informer.

By Chloe Oliver

With few exceptions, I think that our actions are reflective of our beliefs. For example, the simple act of voting for a political candidate is a reflection of a belief. Those with liberal beliefs will vote for a liberal candidate and conservative thinkers usually vote for a conservative politician. The act of praying is a reflection of a belief.  Likewise, a belief in the sanctity of all living creations will lead to the action of being kind to animals.

One of my favorite scriptures is found in Matthew: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Whether our actions are good or bad, I believe in the validity of that scripture. If we refer to ourselves as Christians and believe that we are each His children, then we should also realize that each person has value. That belief should change attitudes and actions.

Often, we hear folks say  “it’s just business” or ” anything goes in politics.” These people plot, connive, betray their fellow man, and destroy lives, livelihoods, and reputations over petty personal biases, lust for power, personal monetary gain, promotion, or to get a friend or family member hired or promoted. 

Sadly, some of the worst offenders participate weekly at their respective churches. They speak of brotherly love and carry baskets of goodies to the homeless or local nursing homes. Meanwhile, their dishonest and unwarranted, unfair business or political dealings have a direct cause on someone’s children being without food and shelter. Ironically, they hide under the skirt of religion and pretend to alleviate human misery,but they are a wellspring of human suffering. How do they reconcile their supposed beliefs with their actions?  I can only assume they think that if they hold their heads high enough, no one will question their integrity. 

The dictionary defines integrity as an “uncompromising adherence to a moral code.”  Uncompromising. That means no compromise at  work or in politics. It is not just a Sunday behavior or action. “No man… can wear one face to himself, and another  to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be true,” wrote Nathaniel Hawthorne. Vacillating belief equals vacillating integrity and conduct. Yet, there is no shortage of people filled with all sorts of excuses for their actions. They act, as Shakespeare said, “as though they are villains of necessity, fools by heavenly compulsion.” They may delude themselves-they may even delude the public-but they will not delude their creator.

Some  just lay the groundwork for another’s downfall. They wrongly think that if they are not the one to actually “swing the axe,” then they are not responsible. These people moderately distort the truth or spread half-truths and then silently wait for the consequences. In reality, a half-truth is a whole lie. Beware of half-truths, you may get hold of the wrong half. As for silence, it often speaks. If truth is not defended, then silence gives consent. The cruelest lies are often told in silence. Who among us would silently watch someone load a gun in preparation to kill another and give no voice of warning or defense?

When plotted against, there is always the temptation to “get even.” My parents never allowed such behavior, stating, ” regardless of what others do, you do what is right.” My mother always said to let God mete out the punishment because this would be far worse than anything I could inflict. She was right. Through the years, I have seen it happen, even though waiting for that equalizing takes patience. I confess that it is often hard to follow my parent’s counsel, especially when my child or grandchildren are wronged. I suspect that our Father is not too happy when His children are wronged. Nevertheless, my parent’s counsel is correct and should also be a circumstance of uncompromising standard. 

Honest behavior toward our fellow man comes from repeated practice and remaining true to our principles, beliefs, and convictions under all circumstances and at all times. Honest hearts produce honest actions. Yes, Virginia, I do believe that there is a God who will one day hold each of us accountable for inhumanities toward His children.