JOIN USA value is good but when it is in conflict with a better one, then naturally one chooses the better.
Similarly when faced with multiple choices one would normally choose the best unless there were some other conflicting interest. To love one’s family is good. We wish to see that they are comfortable and happy. We would like to even amass wealth for them so that they could live without anxiety for generations to come.
So we acquire lands, flats, businesses etc., but the pity is sometimes we do it in the wrong way using corrupt means. In our conscience we try to excuse ourselves by saying that we are doing it for our family or sometimes for the benefit of the society to which we belong.
This may look fine but it corrupts us and corrodes into our moral fibre. How can we be happy? May be all the wealth we acquired for our dear ones are going to be squandered by our successors and we too lose our peace of mind and perhaps even lose our eternal salvation. Jesus asks pointedly: “What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?” (Lk 9.25).
So is it not better to follow God’s ways: be honest in your dealings with others and thus be happy and contented rather than be dishonest and lose yourself? The man with clear conscience can sleep peacefully. He is healthy.
The Psalmist declares: “You have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and wine abound. I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone O Lord, make me lie down in safety” (Psalm 4.7-8). People uncannily discover who is honest and who is dishonest.
They may come to you even if you were dishonest because their work has to be done. They may bribe you and finish their work but in their heart of hearts they would be cursing you for your dishonesty and greed.
It is all the more terrible if the person who comes seeking your dishonest favour happens to be poor and had to beg and borrow to satisfy your greed. On the contrary if you were honest, people would praise you and thank you and in front of God you will prosper. You will not have plenty of wealth but you will have enough and more of joy and peace.
Never go against your clear conscience if you want to be happy. By compromises you can wriggle out of a tight situation but when you see it under the angle of values it may not be the best solution because your conscience is bound to go on pricking and give you sleepless nights and ruin your health.
So turn yourself towards God and the values he suggests for you if you want to be really happy!