Honesty

Just in this year I have become acquainted with Jordan Peterson.

I know, that would be amazing indeed if it were in the physical sense. Me being an obscure unknown, and he being a famed psychology professor, author, and lecturer, how unlikely that our physical paths would ever cross.

Sometime within the last twelve month period I happened on an interview he did with a news media woman. I found his views not only interesting, but they mirrored much of my own observations.

And the info babe (in all honesty I don't remember who she was, so I may be embarrassed in using that term if I found out) she was somewhat either not liking what he was saying, or not listening to what he was saying.

It could have been a combination of the two. The gist of what I remember of the interview was of 'women going out into the workforce, and I'm not sure how well that has worked out for us.'

I didn't feel as if he was excoriating anyone for the trend, just throwing the idea on the table to be examined. Yet as often happens these days we can't have a discussion.

Oh, no, we can't have a discussion. The thirty-something woman gets somewhat defensive. Of course she has joined the workforce and who knows why or what for. But when we begin to wonder about women out there it could mean we might step on her toes.

Professor Peterson has written at least two books. One book of which is '12 Rules For Life, An Antidote to Chaos'. I've not read this book, but am considering buying or at the very least hitting up my local librarian to get it for me. (Smiling face here)

I've watched several of his interviews since and it fascinates me how he can relate facts and studies and conclusions without notes, without hesitation, and without apology.

In the last panel discussion I watched, the host questioned him 'of the 12 rules which one do you have the most difficulty with?' His response was 'be honest, don't lie'. Of course that is rather shocking. All of us know we shouldn't lie, but...

Rule eight Tell the truth—or, at least don't lie

Professor Peterson explained that he was really an easy going amiable person and in some instances it is easier to fudge on the truth rather than be out and out honest.

Those are my words of what he said, but the truth of that matter is that very few of us like controversy. Not many people enjoy hurting other people's feelings, or contradicting them in a matter.

He said he tried to be tactful, but there was no sense eluding the truth. It was far better and more honest to face what needed to be said.

In another interview his interviewer asked a question about his belief in God. His response was; I always try to live my life as if there is a God.

I'm not getting into the discussions on Peterson's beliefs. I'll say here, if more Christians who do believe would act as if they believed there is a God, what a difference it would make.

If all Americans who believe they are 'Christians' would act as if they believed there is a God, our society would straighten up considerably.

It seems to be a human trait that even though it hasn't happened before, we live as if we are immortal and will live—on this earth—forever.

We need to be responsible people, and live like there is a God. In scripture we are given God's laws and told we will be judged by those laws. It would appear to be a conundrum that in living by God's laws we are actually more free, than living without them.

We don't have to understand why. I wonder if it isn't similar to Tevye's comment, 'because everyone (in our community) knows who they are and what God expects of them...'

The older I get the more I see the wisdom in God's laws. They make order out of chaos.

Ecclesiastes 2:13 "Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. 14) The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all."

Ecclesiastes 12:13 "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14) For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.