One of the influencers in my business life used to remind me of a strange paradox he observed. My paraphrase goes like this; “we advertise our weaknesses in the hope that people will see us for how we want to be, not how we are.” At the time the saying didn’t make a lot of sense however during the months that followed his premise and conclusion was proved again and again.
I often wonder how far this analysis could be extended. Do all companies do this? Do we see ourselves in the same mirror? What is my role when I am in the middle of one of these contradictions?
I see a large part of life in this mirror. Not 100% but a big enough chunk that it makes warrants attention. The 2nd part of the premise is what causes me concern. What is my role when I fail to see things as they are? When businesses talk about taking care of their employees and then, in reality, exploit them for financial gain, what do I do? When I discover that my talk of loving others and treating them as I want to be treated is mere rhetoric, what do I do? When I see the down and out, what do I do?
I know the advice I would give to others. “Don’t be greedy, merciless and cruel as wolves, tearing into the poor and feasting on them, shredding the needy to pieces only to discard them.” (Proverbs 30.14) Do I believe the advice applies to me? Does it apply to the company of my employment? What am I willing to do about the advice?
I do not accept that it is enough to be aware of the problem. I am not willing to give anyone, my self included, a bye on the compassion and mercy obligation that each of us carry for the people around us. We must do something! We can’t just let the status quo be. These are real people and but for the grace of God go I. No “but” allowed.
