Creepy Inconsistencies

Principles, values, and morals form the core of our identity both as individuals and as members of a community or nation. Our values must be followed and defended even in the face of potential financial or other loss.

If we allow inconsistencies to creep into our actions, while we may have an excuse, like "everyone does it" or "there's no other way to earn a profit," ready to soothe our conscience, our inconsistencies are glaring to others, particularly children.

For example, a child taught about the evils of stealing or the virtue of truth-telling won't consider those values important if their parents "stretch" the child's age to get a discounted admission to an amusement park.

This is exactly what happened when Laban chased Jacob, on a seven-day journey, and hotly accused him of stealing his idols. Seemingly burning with religious fervor, Laban had just a short while ago informed Eliezer that he'd cleared his house of idols, hoping for a token reward, like his sister had received when she watered the camels. Laban's actions demonstrated how "important" his idols really were to him.

He (Laban) pursued him (Jacob) seven days' journey . . . " Why have you stolen my gods?" Genesis 31: 23&30 from this week's Torah portion, Vayeitzei, Genesis 28:10-32:2

When Laban saw the nose ring and the bracelets on his sister's hands . . .  "Why should you stand outside, when I have cleared the house (from idols)?"  Genesis 24: 30&31