In our Ancient Civilizations Class, we just finished studying about Julius Caesar. It was stated that his greatest strength, his courage and independence, was also his greatest weakness-which ultimately led to his demise. Somehow, this seems to be the case with most of us in our lives. We have certain individual strengths which allow us to do great things; however, that same positive trait can also lead to our downfall.
In my life, I have found this in a number of different ways. One could be with the issue of self confidence and it dark side of pride, and humility and its dark side of lack of self confidence. I feel like I have gone through both of these stages throughout my life, sometimes simultaneously. I might have great confidence in one area and great humility in another area. However, those positive traits can often lead to pride/exploitation or lack of self confidence very quickly.
Perhaps, it is the very serious religious person who can fall in the trap of missing the joy and essence of life or it can be the person filled with joy and happiness who sometimes misses the more important and sober things of life. Strictness can lead to authoritarianism and liberality can lead to a permissive attitude. This can also be true with whole societies and cultures. Living here in Costa Rica, I have enjoyed the very laid back and peaceful mindset; however, I have also seen how that attitude can lead to lack of social action and democratic involvement. In the U.S, there is a great emphasis on liberty and independence; however, if we are not careful that can lead to selfishness and a lack of concern for the common good. There is a positive trait of patriotism, but we have also seen how that can easily morph into militarism, xenophobia, and hate.
This is the situation we all find ourselves in. We have to learn that as long we have these positive traits, these “shadows” will also be there among us. It is just the way life works. The goal we should have is to understand these shadows so we do not let them overtake us. I love how one of my favorite ministers, Shane Hipps put it,
“Everyone…has been gifted with some beautiful, and it is easy for us without knowing it, for it to turn and become something that is destructive….as long there is light, there is always going to be shadows. It’s just a part of who we are….fortunately; the light controls the shadow, not the other way around”.
