In the world of probation which we live in, strongly characterized by the inversion of social values, trying to act correctly can be a painful process. The young man who does not go to certain places because of the thought that these places aren’t good for his moral formation is “punished” with the exclusion from the group of friends which he would love to belong to. The honest worker watches fawning colleagues being promoted instead of him. And the list goes on and on.  

                        That’s why many people face a complex dilemma: they do certain things and go to certain places not because they like them or think they are good, but to obtain the approval of others and not feel alone or despised.

                        If that’s your case, let’s think together about it: whose approval do you really need? What will allow you to have a sound sleep at night, being accepted by a determinate group of people at school or a light conscience? What will be better for your future, a righteous behavior or the way you would have to act to be considered “normal” or “popular”?

                        When the temptation of doing something – honest or dishonest – just to feel accepted comes, remember that the only approval we must pursue is God’s. It is our Christian duty to respect other people’s choices, considering that each person has their own path to follow, but, in order to do that, we do not need to imitate anyone’s behavior.

                        Problems at school or workplace and other similar situations are transitory; our spiritual conquests will be the only thing we will take to the True Life, the Real Life. No matter what your problem is, do not dismay, and keep acting for the good: God protects you and supports you. Fear nothing.

 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (Matthew, 7: 13-14).”

                        See you soon! Have a blessed week!

                   Euzébia Noleto