Agreement?

Lip-service is an art-form.  For the uninitiated, the definition of lip-service is simple: it is the process of giving someone the appearance of agreement and support while not doing or meaning anything.  Sometimes the best practitioners are so good they do not even realize they are giving you lip-service.  They believe that they believe.  However the telltale interactions often launch the process of resisting, undermining, and sabotage. 
 
I realize living with integrity may not be the easiest in the rough and tumble world of business, relationship politics, and results.  I know it is the right path for me.  I also believe it is the right for others.  Yet getting their buy-in through deceit, manipulation, or a lack of choice in any form is not the way to achieve agreement with truth.  I was raised in an atmosphere of belief in the good guys.  I find those in white coats often lose in the real world.
 
Certain professions have it worse than others do, at least on the surface.  The ends-justify-the-means world of politics where personal lives supposedly do not relate to values and priorities, the apparent paradox is obvious for all who care to look.  Even the tradition of sportsmanship has given way to winning, medals, and championships.  You didn’t expect businessmen and women to be honest but at some level there is a moral code, right?  After twenty-five years in the business I am not sure.
 
Resistance is its own language.  When I hear the worlds “I know that he will be raised up in the resurrection at the end of time,” (John 11.24) I know there is no belief in whatever might happen.  Even as I criticize I find myself listening to my words drifting towards God.  Yet disbelief, disagreement, and resistance are nor permanent. 
 
Today is my opportunity to open myself up to God’s hand.  I want to agree.  I want to believe.  I want to accept Divinity’s gift.  Having desire, knowing the past heart, gives each a window with God.  Today is our opportunity to agree with our steps, actions, and heart.