I was reading about a man named Paul who was a conscientious objector during World War II and served his alternative service as an orderly in a violent ward of a mental hospital. Paul and other orderlies received bruises and broken bones but they did not retaliate. They found creative ways to help the patients through non-violent ways and as a result they actually began transforming mental health care in America.
Years later Paul was asked why he chose to serve his country this way. He said Jesus was non-violent and his understanding was that he was suppose to follow Jesus's non-violent example. And then added, "But I could be wrong."
It occurs to me that Paul's life and statement exemplifies that a person can live what they believe, without imposing their beliefs on others. He also openly acknowledged that he didn't know everything.
I read in a lot of blogs here on active rain where people are debating on different topics. Don't get me wrong I enjoy a good debate. But sometimes people very passionately are convinced that their way is the only correct, and sometimes the only ethical way to do business. Sometimes this is even done with quite a bit of name calling and insults. We would do good to follow Paul's lead and realize that we truly don't know everything and what is right for us, may not be what is right for someone else.
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