Action precedes belief
How to go from mere understanding to deep conviction
“You will not believe until you act”
There was once a young boy, wide-eyed and sprightly. His father was not wise, but his heart was full of adoration for the boy. One day, the boy posed a question to his father: “Daddy, is everyone good?” He responded: “No son, we are not all good, some hold evil in their hearts.” Perplexed, the boy replied: “Am I good?”
Now this boy was few in years, so, to shield him from his capacity for malevolence, the father responded: “Yes, son, you are good, and all that you do is good”
Soon after this day, great tragedy struck the family, and the father was killed, leaving the boy to fend for himself. He held onto the words of his father, despite the danger they held within.
The boy grew into a young man and started schooling. One day, on his way to class, he mistakenly struck a classmate while passing him. The classmate was fraught with anger and demanded an apology.
The boy, still indoctrinated with the false teachings of his father, exclaimed “spare me, my father told me I am good and all that I do is good!” The schoolmaster observed the altercation and intervened, coercing the boy to confess his wrongdoing. The boy obliged, but the words were fraudulent as they passed his lips.
As he left, the schoolmaster spoke to the boy: “Your father’s teachings are wrong, all are capable of evil. It is evident that your heart is filled with this falsehood, but remember, action often precedes belief.”
The boy went on his way, hot with anger, but the words of the schoolmaster stayed with him. He often erred, as do all, but with each acknowledgment of fault, his heart grew softer, and his new belief replaced the false one.
We occasionally need to change the beliefs that we have. We might even realize, intellectually, that a shift would be useful, though mere comprehension of a belief often isn't enough to compel us to act.
Reluctance to comply is common when trying to internalize a new belief, but, like the boy and the realization of his imperfection, if proper actions are taken, belief will follow.
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