Going with the Flow

“Do what I tell you, all my decrees and laws; live by them so that the land where I’m bringing you won’t vomit you out. You simply must not live like the nations I’m driving out before you. They did all these things and I hated every minute of it.” (Leviticus 20:22-23)

Sometimes, we tend to go along with what everybody else is doing, even if it goes against our principles and beliefs. We let others dictate our actions, in fear that we will not fit in if we do otherwise.

The problem with “going with the flow” is that it obstructs one from being truly authentic. An authentic being is one who decides for him or her what is right or wrong, and what should or should not be done.  In order to achieve authenticity, we must stop trying to fit in and take the easy path that everyone else is on, and instead question for ourselves what needs to be done and what we must stand for.  

Resist the temptation to ride along with office gossip. Do not abuse substances just because all your friends are doing so. Pay your taxes, despite knowing that many other citizens and government officials do not. You must stay true to your principles despite what others are doing. After all, it is your life to live.