Sometimes we label ourselves inaccurately.

Sometimes we label others inaccurately.

One of the things that I've really noticed to be prevalent among people is our tendency to identify with something that just doesn't hold true for ourselves. I have always been very reluctant about anyone calling me a Buddhist or a Christian or anything of the sort for that reason alone. Christian and Buddhist as words mean "Little Christ" and "Little Buddha." I think that this label, for most people, just seems disingenuous and can often give the real thing a bad name by association. The same would hold true for some people that call themselves Satanists or anything of the sort, be it political or ideological.

We as people like to associate ourselves with ideas, but ideas and words that do not call forth appropriate action are missing a critical part of their substance and may become untrue by default, like someone who calls themself nice and is not, or like someone that calls themself mean but is not.


Labels can be useful, and I am not advocating for the disrespect of anyone. Take the time to understand and to listen, both with respect, and both to others as well as to ourselves. I am simply reminding us that just because someone calls someone something, it does not make it true. Also, just because someone calls you something, or just because you call yourself something, it does not make it true.

Matthew 7:20
"Therefore by their fruits you will know them."

John 7:24
"Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly."

If you're curious, the jar that our furry friend is holding is a jar of pickles that is labelled "Mayonnaise."

image by me © powder stone