I’d like to start this week’s message with a well-seasoned observation:
Whether we like it or not, in some ways we are affected by our affiliations with other people. Our affiliations tend to set our standards for the quality of our lives. Depending on our peer group, we can both rise and fall to the standards of the company that we keep. Part of being a Rotarian is to assume the responsibility of living up to a certain ideal. Rotary is a service organization that asks its members to give of themselves. It’s also an organization that helps us to be better human beings. The Rotary standards are impeccable.
Speaking for myself… Since joining Rotary, I’ve become a better person. I’ve found a distinct clarity and a set of ideals that are so easy to understand and yet so powerful in our day to day lives.
The Rotary Four Way Test is a set of guidelines that we can live our lives by. They improve our lives and the lives of others. The Rotary standards can make good people better. In an age where many people are operating under something called “situational ethics;” where there are more gray areas in their lives than black and white, the Rotary ideals ring true.
The Rotary Four Way Test is a set of guidelines that compels us to be better and to expect more of ourselves. They are a “pair of glasses” that lend clarity to the way that we see the world and a code of conduct for all aspects of our lives.
1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
One of the goals for this Rotary year is to increase our club’s membership. When we speak with people about joining our club, we usually describe it as being a service organization that helps other people….
Here’s the real message…. We become better people.
“Good values are like a magnet – they attract good people.” ~John Wooden
Yours in Rotary,
Tony Parziale