Work Harder

Last night I was reading a little about genetics and behavior, the idea that some of who we are and what we do is designed in our DNA.

Now before I get to into this, I should say all of this is still being worked on. Scientists have not isolated an "anger" gene or anything like that. There's only one way they know to test this and it's very hard; through twins separated at birth and brought up in different families. If two people with the same genetic makeup start to act the same despite living in different surroundings, then it could be because of their genetic make up.

Basically, it's the idea that you are designed to act in a different way. Some people could have a gene that makes them get angry easier. There could be a gene that gives you more (or less) patience. But it could also be bigger. There could be a gene that determines what kind of person you are attracted to, one that pushes you toward crime, one that makes believing in God easier or harder...

The "what if's" are endless. But the person writing what I read is a Christian and he thinks we tread in dangerous water if we get too into this, and so do I. Before we thought it could be genetic, if someone was angry all the time did we just allow them to be angry? No. They simply had to work harder at controlling their anger than others.

We all have traits, good and bad, that are learned, genetic, chosen, whatever. For the good ones we are thankful. For the bad ones, we don't simply act on them with the excuse "it's in my nature". Instead we need to work harder at them to to the right thing. Doing what is right in every circumstance is easy for no one, everyone has areas they need to work on. So how about we start being the best we can be without excuses? Doing the hard work that needs to be done?

That is, if your DNA will let you...

T