Subliminal_Shift

Faithfulness in the small things

“If you are not faithful in the small things, how much more in the greater things…” – a paraphrase from Luke

16:10

of the Bible.

How true is that statement? Personally, I could attest to that. I came from a background that isn’t much to be proud about. Back in high school, I didn’t really seem to care much about getting involved or getting the best marks in class.

I always seemed content with the mediocre, getting by my academics by just plain aiming for the passing mark and being passive towards student activities, often saying to myself, “What do I care? It’s not like I could make a difference.”

I would only devote my focus towards fields of personal interest, most often they were far from being academic. I would rather spend time playing basketball, ‘camping’ at the internet café or just plain hang-out with my barkada.

I often ended up at the bottom of the class standings, but it didn’t bother me much. I often made excuses like: “I know I’m capable of much more” or “I’ll do better next time”. And most often, I did. Yet, it would only last until the next exam, until the cycle repeats itself – again and again.

Most times, I would resort to cheating, yet I would often say to myself: “Do I really deserve this grade or am I really just cheating myself in the process? — an all-too-familiar struggle between pragmatism and ethics; guilt and integrity. But so what? Isn’t it just an exam? What harm could it possibly do to me in the future?

Upon entering college, however; things began to fall into perspective. I admit that there has always been a desire within that wants much more than just being “Mr. Average”, but there were many things holding me back. Such as not really being used to aiming for excellence and translating it into action; and lacking the eloquence and dynamism that other people possess.

Excellence has always seemed like an elusive dream. But, what’s the harm in trying right? What have you got to lose? After all, to pursue excellence means not to seek for perfection but to do the best that you could possibly do. Sure enough, everyone has limitations but that is no excuse for stopping dead in your tracks.

Taking college seriously may seem a lot “duller”, but it’s actually a training ground to prepare for the future. Vague as it may seem, it’s actually no laughing matter.

The popular premise behind getting a college degree is always the assurance of finding better opportunities, particularly a job. Yet, what good would a degree be, regardless of being conferred upon with honors or not, if the character of the person behind it is questionable?

The workplace involves more than just mere application of expertise. It also involves interacting with people possessing varying personalities. It involves the readiness and willingness to take responsibility and utmost integrity to keep your job, or better yet, get promoted. With that comes influence: It’s either you influence others or vice-versa. If you have always been used to settling for the sub-standard or “slithering” your way through college, how could you expect to make a difference in the workplace? Whether you like it or not, people will most often place precedence on personal integrity over talent.

Conversely, life after college isn’t just about getting a job. It’s also about developing healthy relationships and possibly assuming the responsibilities of parenthood. Given that you would end up having a family of your own, who else would your life partner and kids look to? Wouldn’t the burden of responsibility and integrity fall on you?

Which leads to the realization that college, and life for that matter, has to be “more than just medals”. Aiming for honors is definitely a good thing but it shouldn’t be the “end all be all”. It also involves perseverance, sacrifice, a willingness to pursue things at the right time, a willingness to learn from past mistakes, and of course, a personal relationship with God.

As the saying goes: “Sow a thought, reap an action. Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny.”

To be a winner in life, you must be willing to be different; different in a sense that you live life with a purpose; a purpose to not simply aim for excellence, but as an individual who would make a difference.

Given the lack of legitimate role models in this country and the apparent loss of hope, are you willing to be a role model in your own little way? We need people like that because 30 to 40 years from now, it’s going to be our generation’s turn to run this country.