Why be honest?

Why are we honest? Is it because of lack of chance to steal or the shame at being exposed? Who desires to be honest for the sake of virtue?

I have been let down several times. Those who I think have some sense of virtue would soon be blown open. And my faith in the goodness of humans would be shaken.

There is no sense of self restrain in someone infected with greed. And it manifests in spectacular fashion when faced with the opportunity to grab. Until then, rhetoric of honesty and integrity may fill the lips. It would have been better if acts of corruption were done without such sweet talk. A sinner who is aware of his sin and is quiet may be nearer to heaven’s gates. 

Is it the way things are and I must resign to its design? The system is corrupted to the core and it is beyond an individual’s decision. It is individuals who are corrupt but there is also a systemic brokenness that sucks innocents into it. 

It is a constant struggle of resistance. There is bound to be trembling of the knees and tumbles for those who resist the system. But if one resigns and gives up the fight; that is the day the spirit dies. The fighting soul is not a dead soul. When you stop to be angry; that is the day Evil has enslaved you.

The struggle for things to be set right does not come from nowhere. We do not hope for nothing. Who has inserted this hope into our hearts? 

Our discontent with the brokenness, and the longing to make things right are not feelings that come from this world. This world wants us to win at all costs; this feeling wants us to win but the means is as important as the end.  This feeling is inconvenient, impractical, and unintelligent in the eyes of this world; but it will persist. It won’t die. Nurture it and it will overcome the world.