Your Divine Duty To Not Be A Goofus!

Why are some people so rude, unkind, emotionally immature, foolish? Are we not all spirit beings in human form who should know better? I recently asked my wise grandmother in spirit this question. As one of my ancestral guides, I always turn to her for help in dealing with complex life issues.

The person who inspired my recent spiritual inquiry is a very problematic, mean-spirited neighbor who I have seen and heard verbally abuse people, as well as his own dog, in ways that would infuriate anyone.

This man seems to enjoy verbal abuse as a means of self-aggrandizement and is very immature and unkind. I have also seen him damage a security camera after being asked to stop his dog from relieving himself on the steps of the building where we live.

I connected with my grandmother during my morning meditation and asked her why some people are so disrespectful and unkind. Her answer seemed strange at first because she showed me a mental image of Highlights, the children’s magazine she used to subscribe to for me when I was a child. It is a well-known kids’ magazine full of fun, educational stories, games, puzzles, and crafts that has been around for decades.

The unusual clairvoyant vision did not end there. Next, Grandma had me flip through the magazine in my mind’s eye until we came to my favorite comic strip in the magazine, Goofus and Gallant. Since 1948, Goofus and Gallant have taught generations of American children the dos and don’ts of proper behavior and the difference between right and wrong.

Every society rests in the last resort on the recognition of common principles and common ideals, and if it makes no moral or spiritual appeal to the loyalty of its members, it must inevitably fall to pieces ~ Christopher Dawson

The strip traditionally has two panels, side by side, showing two approaches to the same situation. On the left, Goofus always does the wrong thing. On the right, Gallant always does the right thing. When Goofus is rude, Gallant is polite. When Goofus lies, Gallant tells the truth.

Now I understood Grandma’s message. She was showing me that my neighbor was a Goofus! In essence, she was saying in a more ladylike, spiritually appropriate way, “Honey, he is a jerk.”

The Free Will Of Jerks

I then asked Granny why some people act like “jerks” when they are actually spirit beings in human form. Are we not all created in the image of God? She then showed me that as spiritual beings we also have free will in this lifetime. Our physical life experiences are meant for spiritual learning and soul evolution, and our free will allows us to choose our learning paths, behaviors and actions.

However, some people have not gotten the memo that they need to step up and make better behavioral choices for their own growth and soul development. Sadly, they will pay the karmic consequences later.

The physical world, with its complexities and challenges, can have a significant impact on behavior. Factors such as upbringing, societal norms, cultural influences, and personal experiences play a critical role in shaping a person’s character and actions. These influences can sometimes overshadow people’s innate spiritual nature, resulting in behaviors that are at odds with their true soul essence.

Rudeness, unkindness, selfishness, and other negative behaviors are manifestations of the challenges some people face in their spiritual evolution. Their behavior should be recognized as opportunities to learn empathy, patience, forgiveness, and unconditional love. But they do not see it because it requires self-awareness and personal responsibility. That is why they need spiritual role models.

Role models? I asked.

Yes, Grandma said, of whom humanity has had many extraordinary examples, such as Jesus, Buddha, Ghandi, Mother Teresa, and the Dalai Lama, to name only a few. Just like these standard-bearers of divinity all the old souls and spiritually evolved people currently incarnated in the world have a spiritual duty to be models of moral and compassionate behavior. It is our duty to inspire others to strive for a higher standard of behavior and understanding.

Parents are the ultimate role models for children. Every word, movement and action has an effect. No other person or outside force has a greater influence on a child than the parent ~ Bob Keeshan

The Spiritual Duty Of Parents

My Grandma then showed me that the ideal cure for the extreme lack of respect some people have today is to nip it in the bud by teaching children right from wrong at an early age. It takes time to teach children the right way, but it is so worth it. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Do it while they’re young, Grandma said, because “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” as she showed me my neighbor’s dog doing his business on the steps outside our apartment complex. Adults who exhibit bad behavior and immaturity have never been properly trained in appropriate behavior. The way they behave in public reflects the profound impact that upbringing and parental example have on a person’s development. It underscores the critical role that parental environment and guidance play in shaping one’s behavior and moral compass.

From early childhood, we learn to navigate the world around us through observation and imitation. The behaviors, values, and attitudes of our parents and guardians serve as the primary blueprint from which we draw our understanding of how to interact with others and respond to various situations as adults. When positive role models are absent or negative behaviors are modeled, children grow up without the social and emotional tools necessary to behave in a mature and respectful manner.

Mother Teresa famously said, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” Good parental role models provide more than just an example of what to do; they provide guidance, support, and reinforcement of positive behaviors. They teach empathy, respect, and responsibility by modeling these qualities in their daily interactions. In addition, effective role models are adept at setting boundaries and enforcing consequences for negative behavior, which helps children learn the importance of accountability and the impact of their actions on others.

The world has lost a visionary leader, a courageous voice for justice, and a clear moral compass. By showing us that the path to freedom and human dignity lies in love, wisdom, and compassion for one another ~ Kofi Annan

The Karma Of Personal Responsibility

However, the influence of a poor upbringing is no excuse for continued poor adult behavior. We all have the free will and spiritual capacity for change and growth throughout our lives. Some personal reflection, a desire to improve, and increased spiritual awareness can lead us to positive changes in our behavior, regardless of past influences.

Of course, one must also consider the fact that souls are at different stages of evolution and have varying degrees of awareness. This diversity of souls contributes to the wide range of human behavior we see in the world. Souls that are younger or less evolved tend to exhibit behaviors that reflect a lack of understanding, empathy, or maturity.

The process of spiritual growth involves transcending the ego and learning to act from a place of love and unity. However, this is a challenging journey, and not everyone is at the same stage of overcoming egoic tendencies. Conversely, those of us who are more advanced souls need to demonstrate higher levels of compassion, wisdom and kindness in order to serve as role models.

As incarnated spiritual beings, we need to hold ourselves accountable and take some personal responsibility. Those who are “morally challenged” need to step up their game and strive to become better people, because karma is no joke and will eventually catch up with them. And those of us who are spiritually aware and evolved need to set an example whenever we have the chance, or karma will come for us too. It is always our divine duty to do better.

It’s a matter of cause and effect that no action goes unnoticed by the universe, and eventually everyone has to face the consequences of their actions in this life, or the next. Bottom line: Let’s all strive to be a Gallant, not a Goofus! It is not only our spiritual responsibility in this lifetime but also a karmic favor we do for ourselves.