Have you read a news article on the internet recently? From nationally known news outlets like MSNBC.com and CNN.com, to your local news station’s website, all of these sites now have comment sections for their articles. Each of them has places for people to sign on anonymously and give their bigoted, hateful, and often thoughtless opinions on the news of the day. Knowing that they will likely never suffer any repercussions from their comments, readers leave line after line of ignorant remarks saying things that they would likely NEVER say to someone’s face. Safe in the anonymity of the internet, they display behavior that is likely inconsistent with the person they present to those they deal with face to face each day. I like to call them “eThugs” or “internet gangsters”. They portray a rough & tough persona online, while being meek and gentle in the real world.
As a man, this is the type of inconsistent behavior we should stay away from. To be a man of integrity, we should display the same character at home as we do at work. The same character at work as we do in church. The same character at church as we do hanging out with our friends. The same character with our friends as we do online when our identity is obscured behind a computer monitor. Regardless of the circumstances, let your true character shine through. Of course certain times and scenarios call for certain actions, but we should remember to base those actions in good character.
In displaying this good character in all situations and remaining consistent with everyone and every situation you encounter, you give honest feedback and quality opinions when asked for a response. Your character will not be in question when you’re behind a monitor because you are always the same person regardless of the situation. More importantly, as a man you build trust in your relationships with people because they know exactly what to expect from you. Regardless of the circumstances, you still remain of high morals and good decision making. You suddenly become a man who advances a conversation versus stopping its progress.
A man doesn’t hide himself from others. He does not make himself to be something he is not. He is consistent about who he is and what he is about in all situations and circumstances. He is trustworthy because he is always the same person with everyone he encounters. A consistent man will always strive to hit the mark of good character. Become a man of consistency and become a man who is well respected and loved.