UNDERSTANDING WHY PEOPLE CHEAT|Early warning signs, how to curb it and the most dangerous members of any society.

Have you ever wondered why people cheat? Has this question “why do people cheat” ever crossed your mind? Or have you ever asked yourself why you are a cheat, If yes, then this piece of work is meant for you. 

The first thought that often comes to mind with the word “cheat” is infidelity in relationships, but this piece explores additional, significant aspects of cheating. 

In this piece of work, we would look into:

• What is cheating and what do people cheat on
• What happens before people cheat
• What pushes people to cheat and how can it be curbed
• The most dangerous set of individuals on earth. 

WHAT IS CHEATING AND WHAT DO PEOPLE CHEAT ON.

Cheating can be simply defined as the act of violating rules or gaining an unfair advantage through dishonest means. It can take place in various areas, including relationships, academics, sports, and business.

This definition reveals that cheating extends far beyond romantic relationships; it applies to any commitment people value deeply and hold in high regard. It can be their relationship with God, their partners, their dedication to a diet, their resolve to stay sober, and more. Each instance represents a departure from something they once cherished and respected.

WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE PEOPLE CHEAT

There comes a time when what we know about what we believe fails us, when our mind is clouded with doubts about what we once held dear. When we begin to question our beliefs, it’s a clear indication that our current understanding is no longer sufficient to sustain our faith.

These things we believe in could be God, family, our partners, dreams, visions, purpose, goals, destiny, some principles, education, religion and other systems. 

Cheating is a mind game, it is more of a mental activity than it is a physical one. People don’t just cheat, before the action is carried out, one must have pondered over it and concluded on how to go about it. Nobody cheats by mistake, it is after a gradual erosion of belief or commitment.

When the temptation to cheat starts to creep in, one of the telltale signs is that we start finding appeal in things that don’t align with our beliefs—often gravitating towards the opposite or something that resembles what we value but isn’t the same. We begin seeking reasons to convince ourselves that the alternative—usually something lesser—is better than what we already have.

WHAT PUSHES PEOPLE TO CHEAT AND HOW CAN IT BE CURBED. 

Just like it is written in Hosea 4:6 “My people perish due to lack of knowledge”, people cheat due to lack of knowledge, not because they lack knowledge about what they’re unfaithful to, but because they lack fresh insights into what they believe in.

Some say this happens when people grow bored with life. As the appeal that once held them close to what they believe starts to fade, and they become too familiar with what they know, they begin to consider other options.

Men, as beings of beauty and free will, tend to grow bored easily. They enjoy discovering new and deeper aspects of what they believe in. If they don’t, the opposing ideas they once kept at bay may seep into their minds, leading them to consider the opposite. Without a strong reason to hold on, a man is likely to let go.

What happens when we feel bored with life and start to question our beliefs? Should we simply give in and abandon them? If this resonates with you, then stay tuned, because that’s what we’ll be discussing next.

HOW DO WE CURB THIS FEELING?

The only answer to this question is RETREAT. 

One of my mentors while editing the works of Joseph P. Kennedy said “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going because they retreat, restrategize and return stronger”

Any moment you notice a significant shift in your beliefs, take a moment to shut down and retreat.

Retreat can have various meanings for different people. For some, it might involve disconnecting from their phones and embracing a more analog lifestyle for a while. For others, it could mean physically escaping to a place away from influences that challenge their beliefs. Whatever works for you, ensure you take the time to retreat.

During your retreat, take a moment to reflect on these questions:

• Why did I believe in this to begin with?
• What motivated me/us to start this journey?
• What aspects did I/we appreciate in the early stages, and why don’t I/we enjoy them anymore?
• What is the underlying source of these feelings?
• Am I/we willing to give this another chance?
• If so, what can we do differently to ensure we continue on this path?

Retreat is very important, one must note that you are not retreating because you are a coward, you are doing so because you need to define your beliefs so that you can stand a fighting chance when you return.

One certainty in this journey of life is that regardless of the direction we take or the career path we choose, we will inevitably face tough times. The real question is: will you persevere, or will you give up?

THE MOST DANGEROUS SET OF INDIVIDUALS IN ANY SOCIETY 

I am more scared of him that believes in nothing than he that wills a gun – Obi Smile.

It is undeniable that the beliefs of the people define the culture of a society.

However, there exists a group of individuals in every society who hold no genuine beliefs. Even when they appear to believe in something, they lack a clear understanding of why they hold those beliefs. Instead, they simply follow the crowd and navigate life as it comes to them.

Now picture being in the same society as these individuals, living in the same community, or being married to someone like this. 

Jesus said in Matthew 12:25, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” This reflects the chaos we see in our society today. Imagine living alongside people who do not believe in God, love, family, marriage, education, or order. It’s like a family-oriented man marrying a woman who doesn’t value marriage or family principles; such a marriage is unlikely to endure, and if it does, it will likely be filled with turmoil.

One dangerous aspect of those who believe in nothing is that they lack the awareness of when to step back, which leads them to betray whatever they claim to believe in without hesitation. If not so, how can a person who claim to truly believe in love commit acts like robbery, rape, or murder?

CONCLUSION 

Aside from other factors, one of the major issues nearly everyone faces is addiction. People often stray or make poor choices because they’re drawn away by things they can’t resist, but regularly stepping back and reflecting helps build a structure to combat and overcome these urges. This approach empowers you to stay in control, even when life feels monotonous.

It’s essential to instill a healthy belief system in our children, one that guides them toward making wise choices. We must also teach them the value of retreat, especially in today’s world, where countless distractions vie for their attention. Building a strong will in them will enable them to discern between right and wrong.