AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI thinks it is a lifelong achievement to be known as trustworthy but its benefits outweigh the sacrifices we have to make
We expect others to be trustworthy, but are we such persons who can be relied upon to be good, honest, sincere, etcIJ This is a tough question, which everyone should ask himself or herself because we have double standards in this aspect of our personality. We think we can get away with whatever we are, rather some people think it is very smart to fool others, cheat them, and generally take advantage whenever they can. But this definition of smartness hurts very badly in the long run if practised for any length of time.
See for yourself. The moment others realise that someone is trying to take advantage of them, and this does not take too long, he or she is strongly disliked. I will go to the extent of stating that society as a whole begins to shun such persons. He or she may be tolerated if he or she is powerful or has opulence, which others are forced to seek from him or her, but there will be no trust for him or her. There is no question of that because others will be afraid that such a person will try to harm or trick them.
There are other disadvantages as well. Credit of any kind may not be available to him or her. Who is foolish enough to risk what he or she hasIJ Banks, credit card companies, insurers, etc do credit check before extending their facilities. Otherwise also, people will be chary to give opportunities to such persons because who wants to back an ultimate loser, which such a person eventually turns out to beIJ Surely, it is a poor use of intelligence to not become trustworthy.
See what benefit we will derive if we become trustworthy. The very first benefit will be the liking of people for us. Almost everyone will like to deal with such a person. Imagine what kind of attention we will be assured of getting by being trustworthy. I will even go further to state that such persons are given a lot of respect. And such attention really pleases. Don’t we all crave for attentionIJ Is it not a human weaknessIJ People will trust us with what is dear to them, in which money comes at the top. Don’t all businesses require credit facilities in order to run their operations successfullyIJ
Not only that, others will entrust us with the most responsible tasks. There will be opportunities galore as is suited to our abilities. The world will become a friendly place for us. It becomes so much easier to advance in life with all these forces helping us. We will feel satisfied with life and peace of mind will descend on us sooner than later. And, believe me, God is much pleased because being trustworthy is part of our dharma, which God promotes.
Yes, there are so many advantages, then why do so few try to be trustworthy and prefer to try to outwit othersIJ Because it is not easy to become one; one has to do a lot to achieve this status, beginning with being truthful, and we are so used to lie for short-term gains or for avoiding immediate punishment. Being honest is similarly a tough task because honesty pays in the long run only; cheating, etc give immediate advantages.
One must begin to think of welfare of others, which is difficult but that is where our welfare also lies; it really does as experience will tell us. This means that our mindset should be more for giving than taking. Again, this goes against our grain and is difficult to accomplish.
One should be able to resist temptations, which are plenty in our lives. In short, weaknesses of any kind will make us untrustworthy. Behaviour is required, not words because a cheater can outdo most people as far as words go. Others should speak for us because we all do that for ourselves in any case. And becoming a genuine devotee of God does inspire confidence in us. Yes, it is a lifelong achievement to be known as trustworthy but its benefits far outweigh all the sacrifices we have to make to become one.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com